Governor Zainal: Santri Is Not Just A Moral Guard, But A Pioneer Of Changes In Time

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TANJUNG SELOR Governor of North Kalimantan (Kaltara) Zainal A. Paliwang called for santri in the modern era not only to be the guardian of pesantren traditions, but also to appear as a pioneer in strengthening the nation's morale and spreading moderate Islamic values.

According to him, the challenges of today's students are much different from the physical struggle period at the beginning of independence.

"Now, the challenge lies in the global value war and information flow that threatens the identity of the younger generation," said Governor Zainal in Tanjung Selor, Wednesday, October 22.

Santri hari ini tidak lagi hanya berjuang di lapangan perangan, tapi di ruang digital dan sosial. Mereka harus bisa mempermanakan nilai Islam Rahmatan lil Alamin di tengah kelasnya arus ideologi yang bisa memecah bangsa, tambah dia.

He also emphasized that pesantren has a strategic position as a moral bulwark and a social laboratory, a place to forge character, tolerance, and the spirit of nationality. Therefore, he encouraged the students to continue to adapt to the times without losing their Islamic roots and nationality.

"Santri must master the Yellow Book, but also have to be technology, science and world language literate. Only then can they become agents of change, not just followers of the current," he said.

Zainal also highlighted the important role of students in strengthening people's social resilience, especially in the midst of increasing global challenges and shifting values in the younger generation.

"The government continues to strengthen support for the world of Islamic boarding schools through the Pesantren Law and the Presidential Regulation on Islamic Boarding School Funding, including through the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) and Free Health Check (CKG) programs which are now touching Islamic boarding schools throughout Indonesia," he said.

He also reminded that students are part of the national power that should not be marginalized from the flow of development.

"This country will not be strong without strong morals. And morals live in Islamic boarding schools guarded by students," he said.

Furthermore, Zainal hopes that the students of Kaltara will be able to appear as pioneers of a new civilization: a generation that is religious, intelligent, and highly competitive.

"Santri Kaltara must dare to lead, not only in maintaining Islamic values, but also in driving economics, technology, and regional education," he said.