Bahlil: Islamic Boarding Schools Play a Role in Instilling Nationalism

Jakarta (ANTARA) — Golkar Party Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia has stated that Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) play an important role in instilling nationalist values in Indonesian children.

In this regard, children receiving education at pesantren will acquire nationalist values alongside religious education and knowledge in science and technology.

“Pesantren educate our children in religion, science and technology, and also nationalism. This is present in pesantren,” Bahlil stated in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources emphasised that the government is committed to assisting pesantren.

According to him, several programmes have become part of the government’s efforts for pesantren, including the Free Nutritious Meals scheme (MBG) and scholarships from the Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP).

“This is part of the government’s efforts under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto. Not only for public schools, but also aimed at ensuring that pesantren students benefit from these programmes,” he said.

Specifically regarding LPDP scholarships, Bahlil believes that pesantren students possess quality that is not inferior to public school students. However, he noted that these scholarships have not yet given serious attention to pesantren students.

“I believe we must do this and continue voicing it so that good decisions can be made. After all, they are also children of the nation,” he said.