MOJOKERTO – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, emphasized that Islamic boarding schools (pondok pesantren) have been highly meritorious as the main pillars in shaping the character of rural communities, while concurrently serving as the epicenters for the expansion of Islamic education.

Furthermore, historically, the establishment of these boarding schools served as a driving force behind the independence struggle through the Resolusi Jihad (Jihad Resolution) edict declared on October 22, 1945, in Surabaya, which mobilized lines of students (santri) to fight in defense of the homeland.

"We firmly believe that the institution of the pondok pesantren has been proven true throughout the history of this republic, and even before this republic came into existence. This is because Islamic boarding schools and madrasahs were already established long before Indonesia's independence, contributing their absolute best toward the freedom of the Republic of Indonesia," Minister Yandri explained during his address at the Senior Class Graduation Ceremony of the Amanatul Ummah Islamic Boarding School, held in Kembangbelor Village, Pacet District, Mojokerto Regency, East Java, on Sunday (June 14, 2026).

More broadly, Minister Yandri added that Islamic boarding schools hold a fundamental position as the moral pillars of the community. Therefore, he hopes that boarding schools will remain relevant to changing times, ensuring that these noble values are continuously preserved amidst various contemporary challenges and the negative controversies triggered by certain errant individuals.

The presence of boarding schools is deemed highly crucial in nurturing the younger generation due to the holistic education they offer. These institutions do not merely equip students with academic knowledge, but also cultivate noble character and shield them from the negative influences of the modernization era through intensive, 24-hour guidance.

"Let us pray that Islamic boarding schools continue to be a source of pride for us all, despite the actions of a few rogue actors who tarnish the noble values of boarding schools today," Minister Yandri remarked.

According to Minister Yandri, Islamic boarding schools have remained highly consistent in educating the youth to respect differences, live harmoniously within diversity, and reject intolerant behaviors.

Additionally, these institutions provide comprehensive guidelines for the younger generation to filter out the adverse impacts of globalization and foreign cultures that contradict religious values, achieved through rigorous spiritual reinforcement.

"In reality, thousands of Islamic boarding schools across this republic, Alhamdulillah, remain deeply committed and maintain an extraordinary dedication to ensuring that our human resources—in terms of character and national commitment—surpass other educational institutions," he concluded.

The event was attended by the Founder and Leader of the Amanatul Ummah Islamic Boarding School, KH. Asep Saifuddin Chalim; the Regent of Mojokerto, who also serves as the Chairman of the Amanatul Ummah Islamic Boarding School Foundation, Muhammad Al Barra (Gus Barra); and Special Staff member to the Minister of Villages and PDT, who also serves as the Principal of the Special MTs (Islamic Junior High School) at Amanatul Ummah, M. Afif Zamroni.

Photo: Dani/Kemendes PDT 
Text: Dayat/Kemendes PDT