MPR Chairman Urges Pesantrens to Strengthen Student Character with Indonesian Traditions

JAKARTA - Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) of the Republic of Indonesia Ahmad Muzani asked pesantren (ponpes) to continue to strengthen the character education of students by prioritizing local traditions and Indonesian nationalism values. According to Muzani, pesantren has a uniqueness in educating the younger generation because it grows from the tradition and culture of the Indonesian people. Education in pesantren has also long been an important part of shaping character as well as strengthening national identity. "The pesantren has been developed by our predecessors, leaders, ulama, and kiai. The way to educate it is typical of Indonesia, and unites itself in Indonesian-ness, unites itself in tradition, unites itself in the uniqueness of the local ones," said Muzani when attending the Global International Holistic Education Summit (GIHES) which was held by Darussalam University (UNIDA) Gontor in Jakarta, Saturday. Muzani assessed that the holistic education concept in pesantren can become one of the models in the development of human resources (HR) in Indonesia in the future. According to him, the holistic education approach is not only oriented towards academic ability, but also forms character, personality, and values that become a resource for young generations in facing the challenges of the times. He said international forums such as GIHES can be a momentum to encourage students to be more motivated in developing themselves. The forum is also a space to discuss how holistic education can shape human character. "How holistic education is offered and has been developed in pesantren pondok can become a model for the development of civilization in the future. This is a very important effort and we must support it." Encourage Students to Strengthen the Tradition of Learning In addition to character and nationalism education, Muzani encouraged the students to continue to strengthen the tradition of scholarship. Students, he said, need to get used to learning, listening, reading, asking questions, and discussing. According to Muzani, this habit is important to test the truth and maintain that the tradition of learning in the pesantren environment continues to develop. "Students must continue to learn, listen, read, ask questions, and discuss with each other because it is a way to test the truth, so that the tradition of science will continue to be tested well." Muzani also reminded that pesantren faces challenges that continue to change with the development of time. Therefore, pesantren needs to carry out continuous innovation and improvement without losing its traditional roots. "The challenges in the pondok pesantren world are also developing in accordance with the demands of the times. Therefore, the effort that must be done is to continue to innovate and improve ourselves." He hopes that pesantren education can continue to develop while maintaining the distinctive character of Indonesia. Thus, pesantren is not only able to produce students who have scientific competence, but also have strong character, national insight, and the ability to face changes in time. Source: VOI English