Halaqah to Commemorate Santri Day: FIP UNU Jogja Discusses the Future of Pesantren and Technology

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — In the spirit of commemorating National Santri Day 2025, the Faculty of Education (FIP) of Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama (UNU) Jogja held a Pesantren Halaqah themed “Santri Education in the Digital Era: Technocracy and the Construction of Future Studies”, at the Pre-Function Hall of UNU Yogyakarta on Thursday, October 9.

The event brought together scholars and practitioners of pesantren education to explore new directions for santri learning amid the rapid flow of digitalization. The halaqah was supported by the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) and attended by more than a hundred participants, including pesantren leaders, academics, and university students.

In his opening remarks, Head of Kemenag DIY, Dr. H. Ahmad Bahiej, S.H., M.Hum., emphasized that pesantren are the foundation of education in Indonesia and must be able to adapt to the changing times.

“Pesantren should not lag behind in scientific methodology. Religious knowledge and scientific knowledge must be developed in balance,” he stated.

Similarly, Chairman of Rabithah Ma’ahid Islamiyah (RMI) PWNU Yogyakarta, KH. Muhammad Nilzam Yahya, M.Ag., highlighted the importance of pesantren taking an active role in digital transformation.

“Digital transformation must be understood as al qadim wal ashlah — preserving good traditions from the past and embracing new things that are better,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vice Dean of FIP UNU Jogja, Dr. Hariyanto Subiyanto, M.Pd., underlined the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy among santri communities. He believes that technological advancement should not be viewed as a threat but rather as an opportunity for pesantren generations.

“The challenge is how to make technology a means to expand knowledge and serve as rahmatan lil ‘alamin,” he remarked.

The main discussion featured Dr. KH. Irwan Masduqi, Head of Islamic Boarding School (PP) Assalafiyyah Mlangi; Muhammad Asyrofuddin, M.Pd., Head of the PRAXIC High School Foundation and caretaker of PP Kalimasada; and Dr. Mustaghfiroh Rahayu, Dean of FIP UNU Yogyakarta. The session was moderated by Dr. Murdianto, M.Si.

In his presentation, Kiai Irwan Masduqi emphasized the importance of fostering a digital culture within pesantren without eroding their spiritual essence.

“At Assalafiyyah Mlangi, we have developed Assalafiyyah Cyber through retail applications, laundry services, and a digital admission system. The goal is to build digital human resources and technologically literate santri leadership,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Kiai Muhammad Asyrofuddin shared that PRAXIC High School has integrated core subjects, project-based learning, character education, and digital portfolios into its curriculum.

“Pesantren must dare to step out of their comfort zones to stay relevant. If we teach today’s children with yesterday’s methods, we are robbing them of their future,” he asserted.

Concluding the discussion, Dr. Murdianto emphasized that the digitalization of pesantren requires strong leadership and patience.

“Not everything about digitalization is negative. Santri must be able to promote the positive values of digital transformation for the benefit of society,” he said.

The event concluded with the screening of a short film titled “Digital Revolution of Pesantren” and the presentation of souvenirs to the speakers.

This halaqah served as a reminder that the future of pesantren no longer lies on the margins of technology. From tradition to innovation, from manuscripts to code — pesantren now face a new civilization: a digital civilization that is ethical, independent, and globally competitive. [Contributor: Novita N. S. – PGSD Student]