South Tangerang Government Partners with Islamic Boarding Schools to Boost Digital Literacy and AI Access

The South Tangerang Communication and Informatics Office (Diskominfo) has officially partnered with the South Tangerang City Forum for Islamic Boarding Schools (FSPP) to accelerate digital literacy and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for students. The signing of the memorandum of understanding took place at the Al-Urwatul Wutsqa Hall, Pondok Pesantren Al-Amanah Al-Gontory, Pondok Aren, and was attended by South Tangerang Mayor Benyamin Davnie along with regional leadership officials. Head of Diskominfo Tangsel, Asep Nurdin, stated that the collaboration represents the local government’s commitment to equalising access to digital technology and the internet in religious educational institutions. “This cooperation aims to strengthen digital transformation in pesantren through the provision of reliable free internet services and digital capacity-building programmes for students,” Asep said in Serpong on Thursday (30/7/2026). Asep revealed that Diskominfo Tangsel has designed ten collaborative programme pillars to be implemented across 108 pesantren in the city. The programmes include digital literacy training, cybersecurity, digital marketing, creative content creation, digital entrepreneurship for micro, small and medium enterprises, digital transformation mentoring, innovation competitions, the formation of a Santri Digital community, and specialised AI training for education and business purposes. The modern technology training is accompanied by education on digital ethics to ensure students can use the internet safely and responsibly. “Pesantren are an important part of the education ecosystem in Tangsel, so that students and teachers do not get left behind in the safe use of AI,” Asep stressed. Beyond supporting teaching and learning processes and pesantren administration, the technology integration aims to develop students into digital preachers and new digital entrepreneurs. The strategic move is also expected to positively impact regional development, particularly by improving the digital literacy index and supporting the creation of an inclusive South Tangerang Smart City ecosystem. As part of the programme launch, Diskominfo Tangsel held an AI implementation seminar featuring technology expert Onno W. Purbo to explore the opportunities and ethical boundaries of artificial intelligence use. “Through this synergy, South Tangerang is optimistic about becoming a pioneer in inclusive digital transformation and positioning pesantren as centres of modern civilisation,” he concluded.