Deputy House Speaker Calls Islamic Boarding Schools a Vital Part of Indonesia's Independence Struggle
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Saan Mustopa began his Ramadan Safari series for 1447 Hijriah by visiting a number of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) across West Java. The programme forms part of a 15-day safari agenda spanning from West Java to Madura.
The activities encompassed not only visits to various pesantren but also social programmes and party consolidation efforts. The tour commenced at Pesantren Al Maghfiroh in Bekasi, attended by NasDem Party central board officials, NasDem’s West Java provincial board, district and branch-level party structures in Bekasi Regency, West Java Provincial Council members, and Bekasi Regency and City council members.
The itinerary continued to Pondok Pesantren An-Nihayah in Karawang, where Deputy Regent of Karawang Maslani was in attendance alongside NasDem Party officials from central to regional levels.
At each stop, Saan affirmed that visits to pesantren were not merely symbolic gestures but rather a form of respect for institutions that have made historic and strategic contributions to the nation’s journey. He noted that pesantren, Islamic scholars (kyai), and their students (santri) have been a vital part of Indonesia’s independence struggle. Many national figures and founding fathers emerged from pesantren backgrounds, demonstrating the strength of these institutions in building the nation’s foundations.
However, the contribution of pesantren did not end with the independence struggle. In the contemporary context, pesantren continue to fill the promise of independence through education. Saan assessed that pesantren hold a distinct advantage by combining mastery of knowledge with moral and ethical formation.
“In the midst of the digital era and the openness of information we see today, it is impossible to shut off access to technology. What must be strengthened is moral character. If morals and character are firmly embedded, the younger generation will be able to filter information wisely,” Saan said in a statement on Saturday (21 February 2026).
He stressed that the moral quality of the younger generation is a critical variable in determining the nation’s future. Education, he argued, is not merely an instrument for enhancing individual capacity but also a strategic means of breaking the cycle of poverty and ignorance.
“Today’s children are the face of the nation’s future. If they grow with noble character and good education, then national progress and prosperity will follow,” he added.
Meanwhile, the inauguration of a building at Pesantren An-Nihayah in Karawang served as a symbol of support for strengthening the religious-based educational ecosystem. The Ramadan Safari is expected not only to strengthen fraternal bonds but also to enhance synergy with pesantren educational institutions as part of efforts to build a generation that is both morally grounded and competitive.
Through this series of visits, Saan Mustopa reaffirmed that pesantren remain relevant as pillars of morality, centres of education, and guardians of national values amid the dynamics of the times.