Commemorating Santri Day, PPIM Inviting All to Celebrate Diversity

Jakarta, PPIM – The Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) of the Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta called on santri (students of Islamic boarding schools) to celebrate Indonesia’s diversity, underlining that the students played significant roles as agents to promote religious moderation.

“In this momentum of National Santri Day, we must remember that Indonesia is a diverse country which consists of various ethnicities, races and cultures. Therefore, it is important to note that santri play important roles in spreading religious moderation. They can be pioneers to promote peace and agents for peaceful dakwah [Islamic preaching],” said Jamhari Makruf, PPIM UIN Jakarta advisory board member and team leader of Convey Indonesia.

He was speaking on Friday (23/10) in a virtual seminar series of #ModerasiBeragama (Religious Moderation) themed “Santri as Pioneers of Religious Moderation”, which was organized by the PPIM UIN Jakarta through Convey Indonesia program.

Jamhari pointed out that santri were one of the most notable parts of Indonesia. Their roles had been proven since Indonesia fought for its independence. They, along with their pesantren [Islamic boarding schools], also took part in developing the country’s economic and social sectors.

“It is very acceptable if the country gives high appreciation to santri, through a Presidential Decree No. 22/2015 about National Santri Day. This is a high honour from Indonesia to the roles of santri,” said Jamhari, who was also a santri from Pabelan Islamic Boarding School in Central Java.

The virtual seminar on Religious Moderation is held every Friday via “Convey Indonesia” and “PPIM UIN Jakarta” official Youtube channels. The discussion also presented Oman Fathurahman, Special Staff of Religious Affairs Minister, Dito Alif Pratama, Founder of Santri Mengglobal Nusantara, and Kamilia Hamidah, a researcher on “The Resilience of Islamic Boarding Schools Against Radicalism” from Convey Indonesia, as speakers.

Writer: Tati Rohayati
Editor: M. Nida Fadlan