The Intersection of National Education Goals and Pesantren Values
Pesantren are an integral part of the national education system. Law No. 20 of 2003 on the National Education System states that education is a conscious and planned effort to create a learning environment and process so that students actively develop their potential to possess spiritual strength, self-control, personality, intelligence, noble character, and the skills needed for themselves, society, the nation, and the state.
Furthermore, the function and purpose of national education are to develop capabilities and shape the character and civilisation of a dignified nation in order to enlighten the nation’s life. It aims to develop students’ potential so that they become human beings who believe in and are devoted to God Almighty, possess noble character, are healthy, knowledgeable, capable, creative, independent, and become democratic and responsible citizens.
If we examine the definition and purpose of national education, it cannot be separated from the effort to develop human elements, which consist of several components: a healthy body, a sharp and knowledgeable mind, a spirit or soul that possesses faith and piety, a social aspect that is moral and responsible, time that is used creatively and produces independence, and discipline in life.
All of these must be optimised simultaneously and continuously throughout life. Thus, education holds a crucial position in the development and progress of the nation. Therefore, the goals of national education can be achieved if there is responsibility from all parties: students, parents, teachers, schools, the community, and the government.
The implementation of educational efforts is regulated in accordance with the national goals stated in the Preamble of the 1945 Constitution, which is to form a Government of the State of Indonesia that protects the entire Indonesian nation and the entire homeland of Indonesia, and to promote general welfare, enlighten the life of the nation, and participate in implementing world order based on freedom, lasting peace, and social justice.
Operationally, the effort to enlighten the life of the nation is regulated in Article 31, paragraphs 1 to 5 of the 1945 Constitution: every citizen has the right to education; every citizen is obliged to attend basic education and the government is obliged to fund it; the government shall manage and organise a national education system that enhances faith, piety, and noble character in the context of enlightening the life of the nation, which is regulated by law; the state shall prioritise the education budget at a minimum of twenty per cent of the state budget and regional budgets to meet the needs of implementing national education; and the government shall advance science and technology by upholding religious values and national unity for the advancement of civilisation and the welfare of humanity.