The Chair of Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), Dr. (HC) KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, emphasized the need to enhance the quality of education in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren).
He also encouraged synergy and collaboration between pesantren, the government, higher education institutions, and the business sector, along with support from all elements of society.
Gus Yahya, as he was fondly called, conveyed this during the Pesantren Symposium “Strategies for Strengthening Pesantren as the Pillar of Indonesia’s Future” on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, at Fisipol UGM Auditorium.
Gus Yahya touched upon the necessity for scholars to broaden their focus beyond just their pesantren.
He also mentioned the situation following the political superstructure’s recognition of pesantren by enacting the Pesantren Law.
“We must consider various relevant factors that reflect the realities faced by pesantren,” he stated.
He added that changes are occurring in the broader societal structure.
According to him, pesantren managers cannot think within a limited scope without considering their context.
“The presence of pesantren must be based on factual realities, not stereotypes and myths,” he said.
Alissa Qotrunnada Munawaroh Wahid, the National Coordinator of the Gusdurian Network, discussed the plan for pesantren as a model for unique religious learning in the archipelago.
“Modern pesantren face various challenges and obstacles, so efforts must be made to ensure they can continue to adapt and uphold their existence,” she stated.
For Wahid, the independent and autonomous nature of pesantren weakens their management.
Additionally, pesantren face numerous global challenges, such as globalization, technological advancements, digital technology, religious ideology developments, job markets and professions, public expectations, the direction of Indonesia, and their agility in keeping pace with the times.
During the event, she presented the draft development plan for pesantren education for 2025–2029, which is currently being formulated.
According to her, this draft is comprehensive, including a roadmap for developing pesantren education based on progressive targets for each year.
The symposium was attended by various dignitaries, including UGM Vice Rector for Education and Teaching Professor Wening Udasmoro, Fisipol UGM Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources Dr. Nur Hadi Susanto, Director of Diniyah Education and Pesantren Dr. Basnang Said, Head of the Yogyakarta Religious Affairs Office Dr. H. Masmin Afif, and several related parties, including representatives from various pesantren.
This symposium and focus group discussion (FGD) aims to produce a set of policy recommendations or policy briefs on various aspects based on progressive thinking.
This reflects that religious institutions and educational bodies like UGM take the urgency of pesantren seriously, enabling them to sharpen and implement the Pesantren Law effectively.
Author: Bolivia Rahmawati
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto
Post-Editor: Lintang