Ibas: Santri Must Not Be Left Behind in Science and Technology
Ibas expressed his respect and appreciation to the scholars, kiais, ustazs, and santri who have long been integral in upholding moral values, unity, and social life in society.
According to him, amid the rapidly changing world, pesantren play a strategic role not only in preserving Islamic values and morals but also in preparing the younger generation to be intelligent, adaptive, and understanding of global challenges.
“Pesantren today must be capable of producing a generation that is strong in morals, broad in knowledge, understands technology, is creative, and able to keep up with world developments. Santri must not be left behind in science and technology,” said Ibas in his statement on Sunday (10/5/2026).
This was conveyed by Edhie Baskoro, Chairman of the Democratic Party Faction in the Indonesian House of Representatives, during a visit to kiais, administrators, and leaders of pesantren in Trenggalek Regency some time ago. The visit was part of the National Four Pillars Socialisation agenda themed ‘United in Brotherhood, Advancing Prosperity to Build the Nation’.
The Deputy General Chairman of the Democratic Party also stressed the importance of understanding global issues such as geopolitics, geo-economics, geo-strategy, and digitalisation. This way, Indonesia’s younger generation can compete and maintain direction amid world changes.
“The world is moving very quickly. There are challenges in geopolitics, geo-economics, digitalisation developments, and extraordinary technological changes. Therefore, santri also need to understand world developments to become a wise generation, ready to compete, but still holding onto values and identity,” he continued.
Ibas also reminded that advances in science and technology must be accompanied by character education, manners, and ethics in the teaching and learning process. According to him, pesantren play a significant role in upholding values of compassion, respect for others, and exemplary conduct in educational environments.
“High knowledge must be paired with good morals. Education is not just about intelligence, but also about manners, ethics, respect, and compassion for others. Pesantren have long been the birthplace of a generation that is polite, humble, and beneficial to society,” said Ibas.
He hopes that the pesantren environment continues to be a safe educational space, full of exemplary conduct, and capable of shaping the character of the younger generation who are empathetic and uphold humanitarian values.
In addition to character education, Ibas also highlighted the importance of creativity and economic independence in the pesantren environment. According to him, the younger generation must be encouraged to become dynamic, innovative individuals capable of creating new opportunities based on creativity.
“We want our santri to grow into a productive and independent generation. Creativity must continue to be developed so that new economic engines emerge from pesantren and society. Young people must dare to innovate, create job opportunities, and bring benefits to their surroundings,” he asserted.
This member of the House of Representatives from the East Java VII electoral district added that the Pesantren Law has provided significant space for pesantren to develop not only as centres of education and da’wah, but also as centres for community empowerment and strengthening the ummah’s economy.
“Alhamdulillah, the Pesantren Law has accommodated us all. Pesantren can continue to develop into centres of education, da’wah, community empowerment, as well as drivers of productive economies that are beneficial and sustainable,” he said.
Strengthen Collaboration to Improve Community Welfare
On that occasion, Ibas also invited all elements, from pesantren leaders, santri, government, to people’s representatives, to strengthen collaboration and synergy in building the region and improving community welfare.
“We cannot walk alone. There must be synergy and unity between pesantren, government, society, and people’s representatives. If we are united, insyaallah progress and community welfare can be realised more quickly,” he said.
He affirmed that even though he is at the central level, he will continue to strive to oversee various community needs in the regions, including pesantren education, ummah welfare, and strengthening human resources.
On that occasion, Ibas also touched on the importance of affordable and quality Hajj worship services for the community. He assured that his side continues to oversee ensuring Hajj costs remain within reasonable limits and to encourage improvements in pilgrim services.
“We continue to oversee so that Hajj costs remain within decency. With subsidies and support from BPKH, the community is not burdened with full costs. We also continue to push for better pilgrim services and shorter Hajj waiting times,” he explained.
Closing his speech, Ibas asked for prayers and support from the kiais and pesantren leaders so that he continues to be given strength in overseeing community aspirations and fighting for the ummah’s progress.
“We ask for prayers and support so that pesantren continue to be a light for the ummah and the nation, safeguarding the morals of the younger generation, strengthening knowledge, and producing a generation that benefits Indonesia,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kiai Haji Imron Rosyidi from Ar Rosyidiah Pesantren appreciated the government’s attention to pesantren and society. According to him, synergy between pesantren, government, and society needs to be continuously strengthened so that development not only brings economic progress but also strengthens morals and the quality of Indonesian humanity.