Islamic Boarding Schools Urged to Adapt to the Age of Artificial Intelligence
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The development of artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to change the way people learn, work, trade, and preach. Pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) are being encouraged to start introducing AI literacy to students from an early age so that they can adapt to rapidly changing technology.
This was conveyed by Gus Ipang Wahid during a PMKNU Cirebon event. In the same forum, KH Imam Jazuli and Gus Miftah emphasised the importance of pesantren adapting to the times without abandoning the basic values of Islamic education.
Gus Ipang said that pesantren has great potential to produce young generations who are strong in values and character while also being adaptable to technological developments. “We will not be defeated by AI. But we will be defeated by people who understand AI,” said Gus Ipang in a statement on Saturday (16/5/2026).
According to Gus Ipang, the role of pesantren in the future is not only as a centre for religious education but also can produce young content creators, editors, digital marketers, programmers and entrepreneurs based on pesantren values.
He said that the ability to understand and use AI needs to be introduced to students, including prompting techniques or how to give instructions to AI so that it produces optimal output.
“Prompting is not just about typing questions. There is logic in thinking, creativity, ways of structuring ideas, to problem-solving skills,” said Gus Ipang.
Gus Ipang emphasised that mastery of technology should not eliminate the identity of pesantren. According to him, technology should be used to strengthen da’wah (Islamic preaching), education, economy and the social contribution of pesantren in the digital era.
Through PMKNU, young cadres of Nahdlatul Ulama are encouraged to have a broad understanding of changing times while also being able to bridge the traditions of pesantren with modern technological developments wisely and productively.
“This is also capable of bridging the traditions of pesantren with modern technological developments wisely and productively,” said Gus Ipang.