PKB Opens Ulama Ijtima, Discusses Declining Trend in Pesantren Students

The National Awakening Party (PKB) is holding its Indonesian Ulama Gathering to commemorate the party’s 28th anniversary (harlah). One of the key topics is the declining number of santri in Islamic boarding schools.

This was stated by Acting Chair of the PKB Syuro Council, Manarul Hidayah, when opening the gathering at the Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta on Thursday (23/7/2026). Manarul initially remarked that the cause of unrest in the country is that matters of divinity are not being properly maximised.

“The four principles that follow will be properly realised if belief in the Almighty God is truly practised. One of the causes of the turmoil in this country we love is that our devotion to God is not being carried out as well as it should be,” said Manarul.

He then raised the issue of the declining number of santri in Islamic boarding schools (pondok pesantren). For this reason, PKB has come forward to address the matter.

“We can read on social media now — how significant is the decline in the number of santri in Islamic boarding schools? In the past, santri resisted, but now their numbers have dropped by tens of per cent. This is where PKB’s presence matters, because PKB is the biological child of Nahdlatul Ulama,” he said.

Representing PKB General Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar, also known as Cak Imin, he then declared the event open. He also expressed his gratitude to the ulama who attended.

“Despite our extraordinary daily commitments, we are gathered here today because of our responsibility, our love for the ulama, our love for the nation, and above all our love for the National Awakening Party,” he said.