Ponpes Darul Amanah strengthens global network with several ambassadors
Jakarta (ANTARA) – KH Muhammad Fatwa, leader of Pondok Darul Amanah and rector of the Darul Amanah Islamic College of Higher Education (STAIDA), held a strategic meeting with several ambassadors from Islamic countries, including Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Palestine, following the Global Islamic Holistic Education Summit (GIHES) 2026 on Sunday (6/9/2026).
“During that international event, we made use of the diplomatic momentum to discuss enhanced cooperation in various sectors, particularly the development of the capacity and quality of Islamic education,” KH Muhammad Fatwa said in Jakarta on Monday.
Kiai Fatwa expressed great hope that synergy between Pondok Darul Amanah and the Islamic countries could be forged more closely, particularly through educational collaboration programmes, student exchanges and scholarships.
“The santri at Pondok Darul Amanah have a strong emotional connection and loyalty towards Islamic countries, as evidenced by the consistency of our alumni who each year continue their studies at various universities in the Middle East,” he said.
According to him, the presence of the diplomats is expected to provide education and directly convey the message of Islam regarding the dynamics and strengths of countries in the Middle East.
“The ambassadors’ visit to the pesantren will be an invaluable source of inspiration. We want the santri to be motivated to broaden their horizons, to dare to pursue knowledge, and to build careers on the international stage,” he said.
He said that through this diplomatic step at GIHES 2026, Pondok Darul Amanah reaffirms its commitment to continually producing a globally minded young generation with noble character, ready to contribute to the progress of Islamic civilisation worldwide.
“Our determination and intention regarding globally minded holistic santri applies not only at the pesantren, but also at our higher education institution, STAIDA,” he said.
“Amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, we must view a person’s character holistically and must not rely solely on AI-based assessment, so that every individual is still expected to maintain their integrity and the authenticity of their identity,” said Professor Dr Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi, rector of UNIDA Gontor and chairman of the Gontor Centenary Commemoration, during the GIHES conference agenda at the Borobudur Hotel, Central Jakarta, on Sunday.
He said that education rooted in human identity must be prioritised rather than relying solely on technological capability. He noted that identity-based education is essential in building the resilience of learners in an optimal way.
According to him, the current education system places too much emphasis on the development of science and technology, so that it has not fully implemented the pillars of education set out by UNESCO and by education experts.