PBNU Launches Theme and Logo for 2026 Santri Day
The Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) officially launched the theme and logo for Santri Day 2026 this week at the PBNU Office in Central Jakarta. PBNU has adopted the theme “Strengthening Traditional Roots, Preserving National Integrity” to reaffirm the role of santri (Islamic boarding school students) in nurturing pesantren scholarly traditions while safeguarding Indonesia’s unity.
PBNU Secretary General, Gus Gudfan Arif, stated that this year’s theme conveys the message that modern progress must not cause santri to be uprooted from their scholarly foundations, etiquette, and pesantren traditions.
“Santri must continue to move with the times, mastering science and technology, but must never lose their roots. Our roots are the scholarly traditions of the pesantren, the sanad (chain of transmission), adoret, and the values inherited from the masyayikh (religious scholars),” Gus Gudfan said in a statement on Saturday (3/9/2026).
According to Gus Gudfan, strong traditional roots serve as the necessary preparation for santri to address new challenges. “The stronger the roots, the broader the service. It is not enough for santri to merely preserve tradition; they must also become part of the solution to the problems facing society, the nation, and the state,” he added.
Gus Gudfan explained that the phrase “Preserving National Integrity” serves as a reminder of the long journey of the santri in Indonesian history. From the era of the struggle for independence to the present day, pesantren and santri have held a national responsibility to nurture brotherhood, maintain diversity, and strengthen the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
“Love for tradition and love for the nation are never at odds. From the pesantren, we learn that upholding religion must go hand in hand with maintaining brotherhood and national integrity,” he said.
This spirit is also reflected in the 2026 Santri Day logo, which features several key elements: roots, an open book, a dome, and a star. The roots symbolise firm traditions and the chain of scholarly transmission. The book represents knowledge and the intellectual tradition of the pesantren. The dome represents spiritual values and religious life, while the star symbolises the noble aspirations that illuminate the santri’s journey.
“The book reminds us that santri grow alongside knowledge. The roots remind us of where we come from. The dome shows the spiritual foundation, while the star serves as a symbol of our aspirations and direction of service,” Gus Gudfan explained.
The launch of the 2026 Santri Day theme and logo also follows the recent announcement of the PBNU Board of Directors for the 2026–2031 term on Wednesday (30/9/2026). This momentum is expected to further strengthen organisational consolidation and NU’s service to the community, nation, and state.
Gus Gudfan emphasised that Santri Day should not merely be a ceremonial event. This momentum must serve as a reminder to continue bringing pesantren values into community life.
“Tradition is not just something to be remembered. Tradition must be lived. Within it lies knowledge, etiquette, exemplary behaviour, care for others, and the responsibility to guard the nation,” he said.
PBNU is calling upon all levels of Nahdlatul Ulama, pesantren, santri, and the wider community to use Santri Day 2026 as a moment to reinforce the values of scholarship, morality, brotherhood, and nationalism. All levels of the NU organisational structure, from regional to local branches, are encouraged to socialise the 2026 theme and logo and translate them into productive activities that benefit society.
“Santri Day is a moment to remember where we come from while determining where we are going. The roots remain tradition, but the service must reach the entire nation,” concluded Gus Gudfan.