Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly: Pesantren Gontor a Pillar of Faith, Islam and Nationalism to Strengthen the Nation
Ponorogo – Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono, Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia, affirmed that pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) constitute moral pillars and guardians of national character amid an increasingly rapid pace of societal change.
He conveyed this message during a courtesy visit as part of a parliamentary recess programme titled “Ramadan Religion, Strengthening the Nation” at Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor in Ponorogo on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
“Pesantren are not merely centres of religious education, but also moral bastions, character shapers, and social forces of the nation,” Yudhoyono stated firmly.
Yudhoyono explained that his visit represented an effort to strengthen fraternity and to join in prayers with Islamic scholars and students. “Gontor exemplifies how faith, Islam and nationalism unite in the nation’s struggle towards peace and prosperity. I request prayers and blessings so that we may continue to strive for Indonesia,” he said.
Yudhoyono assessed Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor as one of the most influential Islamic educational institutions, not only at the national level but also internationally. According to him, pesantren such as Gontor have produced many leaders, intellectuals and community figures who have contributed across various fields, including education, social work and religious affairs.
“In an era of digitalisation and globalisation, character education becomes key. Pesantren are able to present a balance between scholarly traditions, discipline and global outlook without losing national identity,” he explained.
He also expressed pride in Gontor’s educational system, which emphasises moral formation, etiquette and a spirit of service. “I am proud. Students here not only gain knowledge but also find faith, life purpose and a spirit of service to society and nation,” said Yudhoyono.
Yudhoyono reaffirmed his commitment to continue accommodating and championing the aspirations of the pesantren world so that the educational process can run optimally and sustainably. “I will continue to accommodate and advocate for pesantren aspirations so that education remains faithful to values, strong in principle and able to produce an excellent generation whose knowledge benefits religion, nation and state,” he concluded.
The visit was warmly welcomed by the leadership and community of Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor, with pesantren leaders KH Hasan Abdullah Sahal and KH M. Akrim Mariyat, as well as the rector of Darussalam Gontor University and various mentors and students in attendance.