Ramadan visit to Az-Zainiyyah pesantren: Its role is significant, predating Indonesia’s independence

General Chairman of the Golkar Party, Bahlil Lahadalia, conducted a Ramadan safari to Az-Zainiyyah pesantren in Nagrok, West Java. He said the role of pesantren is very large for Indonesia. ‘For us, pesantren have a very large role in the journey of the Indonesian nation. From pesantren, ulama, community leaders and figures who safeguard the nation’s moral values are born,’ he said at Az-Zainiyyah Ponpes, Sukabumi, West Java, Sunday (8/3/2026). Bahlil recalled that pesantren have existed since before Indonesia’s independence. To this day, he says, pesantren are important in shaping the character of prospective national leaders. ‘So don’t think pesantren are just places to shape character, but before our country existed, while we were under occupation, pesantren were already there to build the character of those who would become leaders of the nation,’ he said. ‘Thus, it is very improper to separate pesantren from the state because in pesantren we educate our children to know religion, knowledge, science, technology, but also nationalism. And this is present in pesantren,’ he added. Therefore, Bahlil disclosed that the government is present to assist the pesantren world. One of them is the Free Nutritious Meals programme for santri. ‘This is part of the government’s ikhtiar under the leadership of President Prabowo, not only for public schools but also directed so that santri in pesantren can reap the benefits,’ he explained. This visit by Bahlil became part of Golkar’s Ramadan safari agenda. Attending alongside him were Golkar’s Deputy Chairmen Ace Hasan Syadzily and Meutya Hafid, Golkar Secretary-General Muhammad Sarmuji, Golkar’s Chairman of the Council Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, and Golkar politicians Puteri Komarudin, Dave Laksono and Dewi Asmara. (ial/fca)