He emphasized that madrasas have a strategic role in efforts to produce a generation that is intellectually intelligent and morally upright, and has deep spiritual understanding.
“Madrasas produce pious and intelligent students, for life in this world and the hereafter. Madrasas will grow our nation’s future leaders,” the minister told new madrasa students ranging from elementary to high school.
He then related the story of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jailani, a great scholar who was taught from childhood to conduct himself honestly in all situations.
The story emphasizes the importance of instilling morals and integrity from an early age, which can only be fostered through in-depth religious education, which madrasas provide, he said.
“I believe that students at madrasas today are people who will fight for honesty in the future,” Umar said.
The minister also shared his experience educating his three children, who are alumni of MAN 4 Jakarta and completed their higher education to become doctors. They are continuing their studies at home and abroad, he said.
“This proves that madrasas are the best place to prepare a bright future for our next generation. Don’t hesitate to attend a madrasa. Great people will be formed from this place,” he added.
He not only emphasized the importance of education for students but also teachers, pointing out that madrasa teachers are not only instructors but also mursyid, or spiritual guides.
Therefore, he encouraged all madrasas to develop teacher upgrade programs, both for improving methodology and strengthening spirituality.
“A teacher is like a saw. If it’s not sharpened, it will become blunt. Therefore, teachers must continue to learn, both intellectually and spiritually,” Umar explained.
The opening ceremony closed with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah to mark the start of the madrasa learning process for the 2025–2026 academic year.
“Education in madrasas does not only begin with studying, but also with purifying our soul. Let’s do tazkiyah, then let’s start studying,” the minister remarked.
Meanwhile, director general of Islamic education, Amien Suyitno, said that the theme for this year’s MATSAMA is “Love Madrasah, Love Indonesia.”
This theme is meant to serve as a moral call to make madrasas places where love for knowledge, the homeland, and God can grow.
“Madrasas are not just places of learning, but also spaces for fostering morals, spirituality, and nationalism. In madrasas, students are not only taught to be intelligent, but also to be wise,” he said.
Suyitno added that madrasas must develop a climate that inspires enthusiasm among students.
“Madrasas not only produce smart students, but also who understand the knowledge they learn. Therefore, spiritual practices such as the Dhuha prayer and morning Quran recitation must become a daily part of the madrasa culture,” he said.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Katriana
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
