Saan Mustofa Urges Santri to Become Green Santripreneurs and Safeguard UNESCO Global Geopark Kebumen
Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) and Deputy General Chairman of the NasDem Party, Saan Mustofa, visited Al Kamal Islamic boarding school (Pondok Pesantren Al Kamal) in Kebumen Regency, Central Java. He expressed hope that santri with Green Santripreneur initiatives can collaborate within a environmentally friendly ecosystem.
The visit was part of a Ramadan safari and the GREEN SANTRIPRENEUR event themed ‘Planting Independence, Caring for the UNESCO Global Geopark Kebumen’. The event took place at the Pondok Pesantren Al Kamal, located at Jalan Karangbolong No.120, Tambaksari Village, Kuwarasan District, on Thursday (5 Mar 2026).
Saan Mustofa was accompanied by several DPR RI members from the NasDem faction, including Sugeng Suparwoto, Amelia Anggraini, Fadholi and other officials.
The programme for GREEN SANTRIPRENEUR includes the Clean Mosque/Musalla Movement, Geopark Literacy, Santripreneur Education and entrepreneurship training in the digital era, a Mini Expo or SME booths, free health checks, and various other social activities involving santri and the local community.
In his remarks, Saan Mustofa explained that his visit forms part of the NasDem Ramadan Safari conducted in various regions. ‘This visit is part of the NasDem Ramadan safari. One of its aims is to strengthen ties of friendship, and one example is this Pondok Pesantren Al Kamal. In this Ramadan safari we also carry out social activities because during Ramadan it is encouraged to help each other, to aid and to share,’ he said.
He added that all activities are expected to bring tangible benefits to the community. ‘All of them are hoped to end in maslahah and manfaah. Being helpful does not automatically mean good; being good does not automatically mean helpful. And NasDem wants what is good and beneficial. This is what we want to do,’ he explained.
During the occasion, Saan also emphasised the importance of the santri’s role in developing environmentally based entrepreneurship through the Green Santripreneur concept, especially in Kebumen which possesses geopark potential recognised worldwide. ‘The theme of the santri is to give rise to Santripreneur. There is something called geopark, this is a heritage and has been recorded by UNESCO. How can santri with Green Santripreneurship here at Al Kamal collaborate with us in an environmentally friendly ecosystem,’ he noted.
Saan also affirmed his commitment, together with other DPR RI members, to continue synergising with local government in supporting development in Kebumen. ‘Again, we will collaborate and synergise to advocate for what the Kebumen regional government needs. God willing, we will work together to ensure the requirements for making changes toward a better direction can be achieved together,’ he added.
Meanwhile, Kebumen Regency Government and the pesantren welcomed the visit. They hope such events can strengthen collaboration between pesantren, the community and the government in developing santri potential while safeguarding environmental sustainability.
The event closed with the presentation of basic staple food aid and pesticide aid from Saan Mustofa to the Kuwarasan community, and an interactive quiz with four bicycles as prizes for the lucky participants.