Taj Yasin Emphasises Integrating STEM with Pesantren Values

Taj Yasin Maimoen emphasised the importance of integrating science and technology with pesantren values during a scholarship award ceremony at the Central Java Provincial Government complex on Wednesday. He stated that technological developments, including artificial intelligence, are inevitable and must be directed to provide benefits for education, pesantren, and the wider community. According to Taj Yasin, the ability to understand technology must go hand in hand with strengthening religious knowledge and morals. He urged scholarship recipients to seriously study technology and science, noting that such skills are now part of the learning methodology not only in Indonesia but internationally. Taj Yasin also stressed that the scholarship programme is not solely aimed at producing academically competent graduates, but also individuals capable of making real contributions when they return to their pesantren. He cited the need for professionals such as doctors and agricultural experts within pesantren environments. The commitment to return and contribute is part of the agreement between scholarship recipients and the provincial government. On the same occasion, the Central Java Provincial Government expanded educational cooperation by signing memoranda of understanding with 25 Ma’had Ali, or pesantren-based higher education institutions. Taj Yasin said this collaboration aims to broaden scholarship access while strengthening synergy between the government, pesantren, and universities. He also mentioned that the provincial government is exploring cooperation opportunities with universities in Morocco, adding to previous scholarship programmes for students studying in countries like Yemen, Egypt, and China. He expressed hope that the scholarship recipients would become a generation capable of mastering modern science while remaining firmly rooted in pesantren traditions.