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Yogyakarta celebrates Santri Day, upholds Pancasila principles
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he state ideology of Pancasila has influenced how the country has been run since Indonesia gained independence in 1945. There are many methods by which the values are implemented and according to the first principle, religion plays a big part.
Head of the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP) Prof. Dr. KH Yudian Wahyudi, MA, PhD, emphasized that santri have a strategic role in maintaining Pancasila and the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia.
A santri is someone who studies Islam seriously, usually in boarding schools called pesantren. Across Indonesia, including in Yogyakarta, people celebrated Santri Day on Sunday. This year, the commemoration had the theme of “Santri jihad, glorifying the country.”
Yudian explained the reasoning behind his remarks, as he recalled the contribution of the kiai and Islamic students, such as KH Hasyim Asy'ari, KH Wahid Hasyim, Wahab Hasbullah and KH R. As'ad Syamsul Arifin, to the independence of the country.
"These students will succeed the teachers, parents and founding fathers of the nation," he said during the commemorative event.
He further emphasized that students are guaranteed an education, through a presidential decree.
"Thank God, through this Santri Day, santri have a guarantee by the state through President Joko Widodo," he said.
He also advised the students to master science and technology, as well as foreign languages in order to be able to face future obstacles. He added that students must aim to make Indonesia more advanced and prosperous through the education they receive, as santri have done for a long time.
"In the past we fought against colonialism through schools, now we fight against poverty and ignorance," Yudian stressed. "I also invite you to return to the Quran and Pancasila, as well as science and technology.”
Chairman of the Yogyakarta Nahdlatul Ulama (PWNU) regional management, Dr. KH A. Zuhdi Muhdlor, MHum emphasized that santri are the heirs of fighting ulama, kiai as guardians of Pancasila and the Republic of Indonesia. He explained that the values of Pancasila are in fact written in the Quran and Hadith.
"We are obliged by law to defend the values of Pancasila and the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia," he said. He added his hope for the students to continue to learn, master various subjects and become pioneers of the nation in the future.
Deputy for inter-institutional relations, socialization, communication and networks at the BPIP Ir. Prakoso, MM, echoed Zuhdi, as he expressed his hopes that the students would practice the values of Pancasila in their daily lives. He also hoped that the students would become role models in the community and their respective families.
The head of national unity and politics for the Special Region of Yogyakarta province, Dewo Isnu Broto Imam Santoso, was also in attendance during the event, representing Yogyakarta Governor Hamengkubuwono
Encouraging students to instill the values of Pancasila for statehood, he also reminded them that Islamic boarding school students have a broad meaning in fighting for and defending the Republic of Indonesia.
"Pancasila is seen as the noble ideals of the Indonesian state and nation, therefore Pancasila is a state ideology that originates from the long-standing value system of the Indonesian nation," he explained. "We hope that the values of Pancasila can be implemented in action.”
Dewo also hoped that the 2023 Santri Day commemoration would not only be a ceremonial event but will be thought about, interpreted and implemented as well.
