Islamic Pesantren Character Development Initiative at Lirboyo Highlights Students' Role in National Building

Jakarta — The Ministry of Religion held the “Pesantren Breakfasting: Dialogue and Quran Study Session with Students” event at Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School in Kediri on Saturday, highlighting the formation of student character as a crucial foundation for the nation’s future.

Farid F. Saenong, Special Staff to the Religious Affairs Minister, encouraged the students to learn from the story of Prophet Musa in the Qur’an, emphasising perseverance in seeking knowledge and humility before Allah.

“In Surah Taha, there is a record of Allah’s question to Prophet Musa: ‘What is in your right hand, O Musa?’ Prophet Musa answered that it was a staff. Islamic scholars explain that this conversation demonstrates the blessing of dialogue with Allah whilst illustrating Prophet Musa’s determination in pursuing knowledge,” Saenong said.

“When together with parents and Islamic teachers, even if there is no specific topic to discuss, it does not matter; what is important is being able to gather together. Do not hesitate to help and become an assistant to your teacher,” he added.

KH. Abdullah Kafabihi Mahrus, Head of Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School, stated that government attention to pesantren is important for the continuity of student education. He noted that pesantren has proven effective in producing generations with knowledge, moral character, and spiritual resilience as manifestations of inspiring student character.

“Students are an extraordinary generation who require government attention. At pesantren they are protected from the dangers of narcotics and moral decay,” said Kiai Kafa. “Students possess strengths in knowledge and character. At pesantren, knowledge is taught and simultaneously practised in a life of service,” he added.

Amien Suyitno, Director General of Islamic Education at the Ministry of Religion, emphasised that pesantren plays an important role in developing the moral character of the nation’s youth. He assessed that character development can only be carried out optimally through the pesantren education system, which operates continuously.

“The sacred mission of noble character is a prophetic mission. Therefore, this value is deeply instilled in pesantren life,” Suyitno said. He explained that the pesantren education system enables character development to occur comprehensively. The interaction between religious scholars, students, dormitories, and mosques creates an educational environment that operates 24 hours a day.

“Pesantren is genuine education in Indonesia. Character and spiritual development at pesantren takes place continuously and becomes intellectual and social capital for the future,” he concluded.