Why Some Indonesians Proud to be a Santri?

RRI.CO.ID, Jombang – Indonesia, one of the largest Muslim-majority countries in the world, is shaped by people from diverse backgrounds. Among them are the santri – Muslim children and teenagers studying at Islamic boarding schools (pondok pesantren) to deepen their knowledge of both religion and worldly matters.

Since the Dutch colonial era between the 19th and 20th centuries, santri have played a pivotal role in Indonesia’s national journey, including in the struggle for and defense of independence. Even as the world continues to change today, santri continue to emerge and contribute to Indonesian society.

Why is being a santri still a source of pride in Indonesia today? This question appeared to be raised by Indonesia’s Vice President, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, during an event at Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum in Jombang Regency, East Java, on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

One santri from Magelang, Central Java, Ahmad Alfiro Ismail, answered confidently. He said that the pride of being a santri lies in three core values he has always believed in.

"I am proud to be a santri, because being a santri motivates and inspires me through the three mottos I firmly uphold: having good morals, possessing knowledge, and contributing to society," Ahmad said.

At the time, Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum was holding a haul (death commemoration) for K.H. Abdul Wahab Chasbullah, who passed away in 1971. Known as one of the founders of Nahdlatul Ulama, considered the world’s largest Islamic organization, Chasbullah was awarded the "National Hero" title in 2014 for his contributions to Indonesia’s struggle for freedom, including composing the patriotic song Ya Lal Wathan (“Oh Homeland”) years before the country's independence in 1945.

"Contributing to society (means) just like the figure we commemorate today, the late K.H. Abdul Wahab Chasbullah – may Allah forgive him – an initiator, founder, and driving force of Nahdlatul Ulama, as well as a fighter who struggled for the independence of the Republic of Indonesia,” Ahmad continued, drawing applause from the audience.

A female santri from Jombang, Indi Febrianti Valentina, also shared her reasons. According to her, the pride of being a santri comes from moral education and the encouragement to benefit society.

"I am proud to be a santri because a santri, besides seeking knowledge, is also taught to have a noble character. Teaching someone to seek knowledge alone is already very difficult, but we are also educated to possess good morals,” Indi said.

"Furthermore, after gaining knowledge and developing good character, we must then contribute. As santri, we must be beneficial to society,” she said.

For Indi, a true santri is not only someone who lives in an Islamic boarding school, but also anyone willing to embody the character of a santri. In other words, someone who respects their teachers and applies their knowledge outside the boarding school after completing their studies.

"These are all excellent answers. All of them (are the next) future leaders," Vice President Gibran said, who expressed optimism about the future of the younger generation from the boarding schools.