Ibas Urges Islamic Boarding Schools to Become Cooling Institutions and Strengthen Islamic Values
Ibas reminded the importance of creating a teaching and learning environment filled with peace, morals, and compassion in pesantren settings, particularly in response to ongoing cases of bullying and various instances of violence occurring in several educational institutions, including a case that has drawn public attention in Pati, Central Java.
In addition, the Deputy General Chairman of the Democratic Party urged kiais, santri, and the community to continue praying for Indonesian hajj pilgrims to be granted health, smoothness, and safety in performing their worship in the Holy Land.
Ibas also highlighted the importance of increasing government attention to hajj services and strengthening pesantren institutions, including through the idea of establishing a Directorate General for Pesantrens to bolster support for facilities, infrastructure, and the development of more independent and quality pesantrens.
The Chairman of the Defence and Security Division of the FKPPI Central Board also expressed appreciation to the kiais, ulama, gus, masayikh, and pesantren leaders in Pacitan Regency for their strategic role in maintaining national harmony and unity, while becoming an important part in regional development and community welfare through da’wah, education, and aspirations continuously conveyed to the government and people’s representatives.
This was conveyed by Ibas, who is also the Chairman of the Democratic Party Faction in the Indonesian House of Representatives, during a silaturahmi and halal bihalal event with all leaders, administrators, santri, and female santri of pesantrens in Pacitan Regency on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. The event, which took place in a warm and solemn atmosphere, carried the theme ‘Strengthening Brotherhood, Peaceful Unity, Advancing the Nation’.
In his speech, Ibas began with an expression of deep gratitude to the kiais and the extended pesantren family who have always provided prayers, support, and input for regional and national development.
“I express my thanks to the kiais and the extended pesantren family who continue to pray for us, for our region, and for the Indonesian nation,” said Ibas in his statement on Thursday (7/5/2026).
Furthermore, this Member of Parliament from the East Java VII electoral district emphasised the importance of maintaining harmony, unity, and solidarity as the main foundation of national strength. According to him, Indonesia’s sustainability is not only determined by the role of formal leaders but also by the significant contributions of religious figures and pesantrens.
“The strength of this nation comes from the togetherness of ulama, pesantren leaders, and santri who continue to maintain harmony and unity,” said Ibas.
Ibas also reminded that Indonesia, as a large country with vast diversity, must continue to be protected from potential divisions. He assessed that moderate Islamic values full of wisdom are an important glue in uniting differences within society.
“We do not want this vast Indonesia to be divided. Instead, through peaceful religious values, we can unite differences in community life,” Ibas stressed.
On that occasion, this Deputy General Chairman of the Democratic Party also appreciated the strategic role of pesantrens in the world of education and character building for the younger generation. Ibas viewed pesantrens not only as centres of religious learning but also as continuously developing in promoting independence, mastery of knowledge and technology, as well as strengthening the capacity of santri to address contemporary challenges and possess national and global perspectives.
“Pesantrens play an important role in producing superior generations who are not only knowledgeable but also independent and capable of addressing the challenges of the times,” said Ibas.
Ibas also urged all pesantren leaders to ensure a safe, comfortable, and exemplary educational environment. According to him, pesantren education must become a growth space that prioritises noble morals, discipline, and mutual respect among fellow santri and teachers.
“Do not let there be violence or bullying in our educational environment. Pesantrens must become calming places that build character and bring love,” Ibas stressed.
In line with that, this alumnus of an S2 from Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) urged all pesantren elements to continue building synergy, communication, and connectivity with various parties, including the government. Ibas asserted that collaboration is the key to strengthening the role of pesantrens at local and national levels, including in encouraging pesantrens to become increasingly economically and institutionally independent.
Ibas also touched on the importance of regulatory and policy support for pesantrens, including the implementation of the Pesantren Law that provides recognition and strengthening for these institutions. He stated that currently, the establishment of a Directorate General for Pesantrens is being proposed to enhance attention to facilities and infrastructure, especially for pesantrens that still need support.
“We want pesantrens that have not yet developed optimally to also receive fair attention and assistance from the government,” explained Ibas.
In addition, Ibas highlighted the importance of improving the quality of hajj worship services amid challenging global conditions. He hopes the government continues to make improvements, including in communication with Saudi Arabian authorities, to increase quotas and facilities for Indonesian pilgrims.
“We want hajj services to continue improving, from facilities to quotas, so that the community can worship with devotion and comfort,” said Ibas.
Ibas also urged all elements of society to jointly oversee these policies to provide real benefits for the ummah, while continuing to pray for Indonesian hajj pilgrims to be granted health and smoothness during their worship in the Holy Land.
“Let us oversee together so that hajj services get better and the community receives ease every year,” he added.