"Not just serving as centers for education and preaching, pesantrens can emerge as catalysts of food security. In other words, such schools can support programs related to self-sufficiency in food and energy prioritized by President Prabowo Subianto," he noted in a statement cited here on Monday.
Speaking at an event held at the eLKISI Pesantren in Mojokerto City, East Java, he highlighted that pesantrens have huge potential to produce talents who are not only spiritually and intellectually capable but also able to empower communities economically.
In this context, he praised the eLKISI Pesantren for its initiative to utilize 29 hectares of land for agricultural purposes, with its yields distributed to local residents.
The deputy minister also asserted that pesantrens had made their mark in Indonesia's history even before its independence.
"As pesantren students sparked many movements opposing colonial rule in the past, I believe it would not be an exaggeration to say that pesantrens are the mother of an independent Indonesia," Syafi'i remarked.
He then reiterated his call for all pesantrens nationwide to continue contributing significantly to building a better future for the nation through education, preaching, and food security initiatives.
"It is important to guide pesantren students to contribute to society," he concluded.
Meanwhile, Fathur Rohman, a representative from eLKISI Pesantren, noted that his side had launched various programs to help those in need.
He cited as examples the monthly distribution of 600 packages of staple goods and a home renovation program that has benefited over 30 families.
"We make the pesantren a center for both education and social empowerment," he remarked.
Related news: Indonesian govt urges Islamic schools to help cut poverty by 2026
Related news: Endorsing 'green pesantrens' for a more sustainable Indonesia
Translator: Asep F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
