Commemorating National Santri Day, Acting Rector of UNU Jogja Calls on Academic Community to Unite Pesantren Traditions with Technological Advancement

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) held a National Santri Day ceremony on its campus grounds on Thursday, October 22. The ceremony was attended by students, university leaders, lecturers, educational staff, and other UNU Jogja employees. On the occasion, Acting Rector Fahmi Akbar Idries called on the entire academic community to continue the struggle of Islamic scholars and santri through education, mastery of science and technology, and community service.

Fahmi said National Santri Day recognizes the contributions of Islamic scholars and santri to the nation's struggle. However, the santri's struggle must not remain confined to history. Amid rapid changes in the modern era, santri must remain firmly rooted in their spiritual foundations and pesantren traditions while developing their mastery of science and technology.

According to Fahmi, UNU Jogja has a responsibility to bring together the strengths of pesantren traditions and advances in science and technology. This combination is essential to nurturing a generation deeply rooted in Islamic and Indonesian values, equipped with strong scientific knowledge, innovative, and committed to serving society.

Therefore, Fahmi encouraged students to regard their university studies as part of the contemporary santri's struggle. Studying diligently, maintaining good character, using technology wisely, and producing work that benefits the Muslim community and the nation are tangible ways for young people to contribute to the country's continued development.

He also reminded the academic community to uphold the noble values of pesantren as a foundation for navigating changing times without losing their identity. Tradition must remain a guiding principle in developing capabilities and responding to future challenges.

In line with this year's National Santri Day theme, “Strengthening Traditional Roots, Safeguarding National Unity,” Fahmi emphasized that progress must not cause younger generations to lose their identity. Differences, meanwhile, should not become a source of division but rather an opportunity to respect one another and strengthen social cohesion.

He called on the entire UNU Jogja academic community to nurture brotherhood, uphold tolerance, reject all forms of violence, and build a campus environment grounded in knowledge, good character, and respect for differences. These values should be reflected in everyday interactions, both in academic activities and in community life.

Fahmi expressed his hope that UNU Jogja would become a place where a generation of intellectual santri could emerge—individuals firmly grounded in religious values, accomplished in science, professional in their work, and committed to making meaningful contributions to society. This generation is expected to combine spiritual depth with intellectual competence to address the nation's various challenges.

He noted that the spirit of National Santri Day must be translated into concrete action rather than remain a ceremonial observance. Students and the wider academic community have a role to play in continuing the struggle of their predecessors through knowledge development, character building, and active engagement in addressing society's needs.

In higher education, this spirit can be realized through quality education, research that generates useful knowledge, innovation that addresses contemporary challenges, and community service that creates a meaningful impact. In this way, pesantren traditions can continue to evolve and contribute to society amid advances in science and technology.

Fahmi emphasized the importance of sustaining the legacy of Islamic scholars and santri through the contributions of younger generations across various fields. The values of pesantren should not merely serve as an identity but should also be reflected in attitudes, work ethics, responsibility, and concern for others.

“We must continue the struggle of Islamic scholars and santri through education, research, innovation, and community service,” he said.

Through the commemoration of National Santri Day, UNU Jogja promotes an approach to education that develops not only academic abilities but also character, integrity, and social responsibility. By combining the roots of pesantren traditions with advances in science and technology, the university's academic community is expected to help nurture a generation capable of facing future challenges without losing its identity while contributing to national unity and progress.

Reporter: Latifah