Gus Muhaimin Urges Indonesian Santri to Fight Poverty and Bridge Technology Gap

RIAU — Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, widely known as Gus Muhaimin, has called on Indonesian Muslim students, or santri, to become part of the solution to the country's major challenges, including poverty, technological inequality, and national development.

The chairman of the National Awakening Party (Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa/PKB) and Panglima Santri Nusantara delivered the message during the 2026 National Santri Day (Hari Santri Nasional/HSN) commemoration at Dar el Hikmah Islamic Boarding School in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

He emphasized that santri have a responsibility to continue the legacy of Indonesia's Islamic scholars, whose sacrifices, struggles, and dedication helped establish the foundations of the country's religious and national identity.

According to Gus Muhaimin, the meaning of santri extends beyond students enrolled in Islamic boarding schools. It also encompasses individuals who uphold honesty, integrity, independence, and a commitment to applying Islamic values in everyday life.

“Santri represents resilient souls, educated with dedication, shaped by simplicity, and strengthened through perseverance,” he said.

Gus Muhaimin Highlights Poverty and Technology Challenges

Gus Muhaimin identified poverty and limited mastery of science and technology as two major challenges that Indonesia must address to strengthen its competitiveness.

He cited an estimated 23 million Indonesians living below the poverty line, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to improve social welfare while expanding access to scientific and technological knowledge.

“We must continue developing science and technology to prepare ourselves to become a superior nation and produce a golden generation ready to compete globally—not merely keep pace with other nations, but outperform them,” he said.

Amid growing geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainty and continuing global humanitarian challenges, Gus Muhaimin also stressed the importance of national self-reliance.

He argued that the values cultivated through pesantren education—including honesty, resilience, discipline, and independence—could help Indonesia build a stronger nation that is less dependent on other countries.

“Santri, God willing, will always uphold honesty, remain resilient, and not easily be shaken by various challenges,” he said.

Three Commitments for Indonesia's Santri

To strengthen the contribution of santri to national development, Gus Muhaimin outlined three commitments.

First, santri must help unite the Muslim community and the Indonesian nation. Second, they must continue learning, developing their abilities, and adapting to changing circumstances. Third, they should look to kiai, Islamic scholars, and fellow santri as role models in all aspects of life.

“With these three commitments, we can continue breaking through the barriers of limitation, rejecting and overcoming all forms of backwardness,” he said.

Gus Muhaimin added that santri should participate in a wide range of professional and social sectors, contributing directly to Indonesia's transformation. He stressed that the strength of Islamic boarding schools lies not only in religious instruction but also in developing character, independence, and a commitment to serving society.

He encouraged students to improve their skills so they could respond to community needs and contribute meaningfully to national progress.

Call for Pesantren Education Transformation

Gus Muhaimin expressed appreciation for the kiai, Islamic scholars, and pesantren leaders who continue to educate younger generations and prepare future leaders.

He warned that Indonesia risked losing an important source of leadership if the contribution of Islamic boarding schools and their educators was not sustained.

“Without our Islamic scholars, kiai, and pesantren leaders, we would lose our future leaders,” he said.

He also called for the transformation of pesantren education to ensure that graduates are better equipped to navigate technological advances, social change, and global competition.

According to him, improving educational quality must go hand in hand with better infrastructure, stronger educational systems, and greater support for the development of Islamic boarding schools.

He urged santri to remain disciplined, dedicated, and committed to lifelong learning.

“Be disciplined, be earnest, and never stop learning and adapting to challenges and change,” he said.

Supports National Self-Reliance Agenda

During his speech, Gus Muhaimin expressed support for President Prabowo Subianto's efforts to strengthen Indonesia's national self-reliance by maximizing the country's wealth and natural resources.

He said National Santri Day should serve as a turning point for Indonesian santri to emerge as resilient, independent, and competitive leaders capable of helping address the country's challenges.

“Prepare yourselves, because one day you will be the ones who improve this nation and the world,” he said.

The 2026 National Santri Day commemoration at Dar el Hikmah Islamic Boarding School was attended by several national and regional figures, including Nur Iman Foundation Pekanbaru chairman Amrasul Abdullah, Dar el Hikmah Islamic Boarding School leader Amran Suardi, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, PKB Secretary-General Hasanuddin Wahid, and PKB treasurer-general Bambang Susanto.

Members of the Indonesian House of Representatives, regional legislative councils, and regional government leaders from Riau also attended the event.

The gathering highlighted the continuing role of pesantren in Indonesia's educational and social landscape, while reinforcing calls for santri to combine religious values with scientific knowledge, technological skills, and practical contributions to national development.