Santri Literature Serves as a Space to Nurture Intellectual Tradition
The world of pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) is considered to possess great potential in enriching Indonesia’s literary and cultural treasury. The scientific tradition of the pesantren, blended with the creativity of santri (students), is seen as capable of producing literary works that record the dynamics of life and changing times.
This sentiment was expressed during the Nusantara Santri Literature Halaqoh and the launch of the National Santri Literary Anthology Book, organised by Risalah NU Magazine at the Yacob Oetama Hall, Nahdlatul Ulama University of Indonesia (UNUSIA), Jakarta, on Friday (18/9/2026).
The anthology book contains works by 50 selected santri from the 2025 National Short Story Competition. These individuals were chosen from approximately 500 participants competing from various regions across Indonesia.
The event was attended by numerous religious scholars, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) figures, academics, litterateurs, cultural observers, santri, university students, members of Fatayat NU DKI Jakarta, as well as other participants and guests.
During the book discussion session, the committee invited several speakers with backgrounds in literature and journalism. These included Dinaldo, an NU activist and literary writer; Yudhiarma, a book author and senior journalist; and Jahid Lukman, who also served as one of the judges for the 2025 National Short Story Competition.
The Chairman of the Nusantara Santri Literature Halaqoh Committee, Jahid Lukman, stated that the activity serves as a momentum to strengthen literacy traditions and literary creativity among santri. The Halaqoh also provides a meeting space for santri, writers, literacy activists, cultural observers, academics, and pesantren enthusiasts.
According to him, literature should not merely be viewed as a work of art and creative expression. Literature can also serve as a part of the intellectual tradition that flourishes within the pesantren environment.
“Therefore, literature is not only viewed as a work of art and creative expression, but also as a part of the pesantren’s intellectual tradition,” Jahid said in a written statement received by Republika, Saturday (19/9/2026).