UIN Jakarta Commemorates National Santri Day, Upholding the Spirit of Indonesia’s Independence

Student Center Field, UIN Online News — October 22 has been formally declared National Santri Day, a moment to honor the contributions of santris. They have been studying Islamic teachings in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) since the subjection of Indonesia. The date was chosen to commemorate the Jihad Resolution declared by Hasyim Asy’ari, calling upon all Indonesians to rise against colonial forces.

To mark this historic occasion, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta held a National Santri Day ceremony on Wednesday (22/10/2025) at the Student Center Field. The event, themed “Safeguarding Indonesia’s Independence Toward Global Civilization,” was led by UIN Jakarta Rector Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., and attended by members of the UIN Jakarta community.

In his address, Prof. Asep stated that Santri Day is not merely a ceremonial observance but a moment to reaffirm the pivotal role of santri and pesantren in shaping Indonesia’s history and moral foundation.

“Santris are guardians of religious values, while their home pesantren stands as the moral fortress of the unity of Indonesia,” he encouraged.

The Rector further advised today’s santris to remain adaptive and progressive, mastering not only religious sciences and classical texts but also modern disciplines: technology, science, and international languages.

“You must actively utilize digital platforms as spaces for da’wa and social contribution. Pursue knowledge with sincerity, uphold noble character, respect your teachers, and love your homeland,” he hoped.

The ceremony continued with the singing of the Santri March and the recitation of the Indonesian Santri Oath, led by Dr. Fatihunnada, M.A., Vice Dean for Student Affairs at the Faculty of Dirasat Islamiyah. In the oath, all santris pledged to uphold the Islamic teachings and remain loyal to Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.

The ceremony concluded with a prayer led by Dr. Muhammad Nurul Irfan, M.A., Head of the UPT Ma’had al-Jami’ah, invoking blessings for all students to be granted ease in their studies, depth of knowledge, steadfast faith, and sincerity in service. The prayer also extended to the entire Indonesian nation, asking for strength to preserve unity, sustain blessings, and attain goodness in this world and the hereafter.

(Fathan Rangga/Fauziah M./Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photos: Aqilah Qurratulaini)