National Santri Day is an important momentum for us to remember and appreciate the contribution of santri in the struggle for Indonesian independence. The theme “Guarding an Independent Indonesia Towards World Civilization” reminds us of the important role of santri in maintaining and advancing this nation.
Pesantren, as traditional Islamic educational institutions, have been an integral part of Indonesian history since the 15th century. Islamic boarding schools such as Kebumen, Semarang, Giri, Demak, and Kudus became the center of the spread of Islam and education in Java. The students who studied at these pesantrens not only became kyais and scholars, but also freedom fighters.
During the colonial period, pesantren became the center of resistance against the colonizers. Santris such as Kyai Haji Hasyim Asy'ari, Kyai Haji Ahmad Dahlan, and Kyai Haji Wahid Hasyim became important figures in the struggle for independence. They not only fought for independence, but also to advance the nation.
In this context, we can take inspiration from Surah Mujadilah Verse 11, which reads: “O you who believe, when it is said to you: ‘Be spacious in the assembly’, then be spacious, and Allah will make it spacious for you. And when it is said: ‘Stand up,’ then stand up, surely Allah will elevate those who believe among you and those who are given knowledge a few degrees. And Allah knows best what you do.”
This verse was chanted at the opening of the event, reminding us of the importance of science and education in advancing this nation. Indonesian Santri must continue to improve their knowledge and education to become leaders and freedom fighters.
The culmination of the 2025 National Santri Day at the Santri Devotion Night for the Country was held at Sasono Utomo Taman Mini Indonesia Indonesia Jakarta, on October 24, 2025. The event was attended by the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto (by recording), and the Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A, as well as echelon 1 officials within the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The event was also attended by santri, Kyai, scholars, academics, and community leaders. The event was filled with various activities, such as the performance of the Bone santri orchestra and singer Putri Arini.
In his remarks, the President expressed his appreciation for the contribution of santri in the struggle for Indonesian independence. He said that santri not only maintain morals, but also protect the nation and state as a form of devotion. Santri are examples for all of us, and we must continue to support and motivate them to become leaders and freedom fighters.
The Minister of Religious Affairs also said that santri are little angels who have been studying in pesantren since childhood, who with their sincerity and enthusiasm, gain knowledge and become leaders of the nation. They are examples for all of us, and we must continue to support and motivate them to become leaders and mujahids of independence.
In this event, we remember and appreciate the contribution of santri in the struggle for Indonesian independence. We also discussed the role of santri in advancing this nation. We must continue to advance and develop pesantren as centers of education and civilization, as mandated by the Director General of Islamic Education, Prof. Dr. KH. Amin Suyitno, M.Ag, always the Chairman of the Committee. At the end of his speech, the most beautiful gift in HSN 2025 is that in the next few weeks the Director General of Pesantren will be formed.
He explained that the poem again “Krasan wonten pondok”. Krasan wonten pondok is to continue to study, and continue to study, mugo-mugo dadi wong kang sholeh reminds us of the enthusiasm and seriousness of santri in gaining knowledge. This spirit must continue to be nurtured and developed to advance this nation.
Thus, we can realize the ideals of this nation to become an advanced, prosperous and civilized country. We can realize an Independent Indonesia Towards World Civilization.
