Hidayat Nur Wahid: Pesantren inseparable from the nation's history
Ponorogo, East Java (ANTARA) - Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) Hidayat Nur Wahid has asserted that pesantren are an inseparable part of the history and journey of the Indonesian nation, from the independence struggle to current national development.
“Pondok pesantren have helped build Indonesia from the early days of independence until now. Therefore, the existence of pesantren cannot be separated from the nation’s history,” Hidayat said while attending an ulama gathering for the Centenary Milad of Pondok Modern Darussalam (PMD) Gontor in Ponorogo on Saturday.
The Gontor alumnus from the class of 1978 assessed that PMD Gontor has made a significant contribution to the development of Islamic education over the past century.
According to him, the pesantren established in Ponorogo has given rise to many similar educational institutions in various regions, which have contributed to producing human resources and future national leaders.
“This is a charitable deed whose benefits are felt by the ummah and the nation, not only through education but also through the service of its alumni in various fields,” he stated.
Hidayat also highlighted the role of pesantren figures and alumni in national life, including their involvement in the reform process and the strengthening of religious values within the national education system.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Muhammad Syafi’i conveyed the appreciation of President Prabowo Subianto for PMD Gontor’s century-long journey, which has been able to maintain an educational tradition based on sincerity, independence, and mutual cooperation.
“Gontor’s continuity up to 100 years demonstrates the strength of the values inherited and consistently upheld by the pesantren,” he said.
According to Syafi’i, pesantren have a major contribution to Indonesian history because many national figures and independence fighters emerged from the pesantren educational environment.
However, he reminded of the importance of strengthening the positive image of pesantren amidst various challenges that arise with the times.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs, he said, continues to encourage improvements in governance quality and the strengthening of the pesantren education ecosystem so that it remains a choice for the public.
In addition, pesantren are also encouraged to adapt to developments in science and technology without abandoning the moral and character values that are the hallmark of pesantren education.
“Technology must be mastered, but morality remains the main foundation. In this way, pesantren will continue to be an important force in national development,” he stated.
The Centenary Milad of PMD Gontor serves as a moment for reflection as well as strengthening the role of pesantren in producing a generation that is knowledgeable, has character, and is capable of answering future challenges.