UNU Jogja Leaders Visit Prominent Kyai in East Java to Strengthen Santri Values and Spirit

Jombang, East Java – In commemoration of National Santri Day, leaders of Nahdlatul Ulama University (UNU) Jogja made courtesy visits (sowan) to several kyai and leaders of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) across East Java. The visit served as a gesture of respect and a commitment to strengthening santri values and spirit—principles that form the core of education at UNU Jogja.

The delegation was led by UNU Jogja Rector, Widya Priyahita Pudjibudojo, accompanied by Mohammad Alfuniam, S.Fil., M.Phil. (Director of External Pesantren Affairs), Dr. Muammar Zayn Qadafi (Director of International Cooperation), and Mohammad Rofiqi, S.S., M.Hum. (lecturer of the Interdisciplinary Islamic Studies Program).

During the visit, the UNU Jogja delegation paid visits to several major pesantren in East Java, including Pesantren Tebuireng Jombang, Pesantren Bayt Al-Hikmah Pasuruan, Pesantren Annuqayah Guluk-Guluk Sumenep, Pesantren Al-Amien Prenduan Sumenep, and concluded the trip with a pilgrimage to the tomb of Syaikhona Kholil in Bangkalan.

At Pesantren Tebuireng, the Rector had the opportunity to interact directly with students of SMA Trensains Tebuireng. She encouraged them to start planning their futures and to prepare themselves to become future leaders of the nation.

“I am very happy and proud to meet these young santri. They are agents of change with great dreams to contribute to the country. Therefore, we want to provide opportunities for them to continue their higher education at UNU Jogja,” said the Rector.

The offer was warmly welcomed by the pesantren leaders and school administrators, who expressed their commitment to sending their best graduates to pursue studies at UNU Jogja.

“Pesantren and UNU Jogja share the same vision—to create a positive impact for the nation. As a university under Nahdlatul Ulama, UNU Jogja has established international collaborations with various countries. This reflects our commitment to empowering santri to take part and make an impact on the global stage,” Widya concluded.

Meanwhile, at Pesantren Bayt Al-Hikmah Pasuruan, UNU Jogja signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focusing on the development of human resources through education and training, research collaboration, and other academic initiatives.

Mohammad Alfuniam, Director of External Pesantren Affairs, emphasized that this visit represents UNU Jogja’s takdzim—deep respect and reverence—for the kyai and pesantren. As a higher education institution rooted in Nahdlatul Ulama values, UNU Jogja is committed to integrating the pesantren tradition within its academic environment.

“One of our serious commitments is the establishment of the Pesantren for the Future Center at UNU Jogja. This initiative aims to ensure that pesantren remain relevant, progressive, and innovative amidst the rapid tides of modernity,” he explained.

He further highlighted the vital role of pesantren as the moral lighthouse of the nation, upholding the three guiding flames of knowledge, manners, and good deeds.

“From pesantren will emerge the future generation of santri—knowledgeable in science, wise in the digital era, and caring for the sustainability of the earth and the future,” Alfuniam concluded. [Latifah]