Prabowo Urges Gontor to Understand Politics, Not Engage in Practical Politics

President Prabowo Subianto has urged Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor, an Islamic boarding school, to remain above the fray of practical politics, while simultaneously stressing the importance for the institution and its students to understand political dynamics. Prabowo made these remarks during the 100th-anniversary thanksgiving reception of the pesantren in Ponorogo, East Java, on Saturday, September 19, 2026. "I know Gontor is not allowed to be political. That's right. Gontor should not participate in practical politics, but must understand politics," Prabowo stated. He added that Gontor should not be aligned with any specific political power, but rather exist "above all political groups." Prabowo acknowledged the significant presence of Gontor alumni in various sectors of life, including in government and groups supporting his administration. However, he clarified that the involvement of alumni does not necessitate the educational institution itself engaging in practical politics. He reasoned that understanding political life is crucial for pesantren as political decisions directly impact the nation's trajectory. The President also touched upon Gontor's core values, known as Panca Jiwa Gontor, which include sincerity, simplicity, self-reliance, Islamic brotherhood, and freedom, suggesting their continued relevance. This directive from Prabowo highlights the nuanced relationship between influential religious educational institutions and the political landscape in Indonesia. Pesantren often wield considerable societal influence, and their degree of political engagement is a recurring point of discussion. The President's message appears to advocate for maintaining institutional independence while fostering political awareness among its constituents for national development.