VP Amin officiates Tangerang's Kresek in Banten as santri village

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, on Sunday (July 14) evening, officially declared Kresek Sub-district in Tangerang District of Banten Province as a village of santris, or students of Islamic boarding school.

"In the name of God, I hereby declare Kresek as a santri village," he remarked during an event held to inaugurate the santri village and commemorate Islamic New Year 1446 Hijri in Tangerang.

The inauguration of the santri village was marked by the signing of an inscription by the vice president.

In his speech, Amin underlined that his birthplace of Kresek had been known to produce santris for a long time.

"In actuality, Kresek has long been a village of santris. Therefore, I am more inclined to view this declaration as a re-designation of Kresek as a santri village," he pointed out.

The vice president then noted that santris had been making notable contributions to society in the region of Banten, adding that their prominent role dates back to the Dutch colonialism era.

"Santris in Banten took part in the Geger Cilegon (Uproar in Cilegon) incident," he said, referring to a major revolt incited by farmers against the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in 1888.

Amin then underlined that Islamic boarding schools, or pesantrens, are education institutions mandated to produce religious scholars capable of bringing prosperity to the world.

He further noted that pesantrens are expected to become places that help Indonesia stimulate the economy.

The vice president also encouraged pesantren alumni to actively participate in religious and economic activities.

"How should you make the earth prosper? The answers are economy, trade, and agriculture. Considering knowledge and technology as key factors, pesantrens must offer vocational education programs as well," he concluded.