Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka urged students from Islamic boarding schools, or santris, to strengthen their expertise in science and technology to meet modern challenges and drive national progress.
Speaking at the Buntet Pesantren alumni gathering in Cirebon, West Java, on Thursday, Gibran called santris one of Indonesia’s greatest assets as the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation.
“Santris are not only the guardians of moral and spiritual values but also key agents of national advancement,” he said in a statement released by the Vice President’s Secretariat on Friday.
He encouraged the Islamic boarding schools (pesantrens) to embrace innovation and modern science, stressing that Indonesia needs religious students who also excel in technology fields such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, biotechnology, and cybersecurity.
“We want more santris to become experts in AI, robotics, data analytics, and cybersecurity,” Gibran said.
He added that mastering technology aligns with Indonesia’s vision of developing globally competitive human resources with strong moral character.
Highlighting the nation’s demographic bonus, Gibran said it must be used to boost productivity and accelerate the “Golden Indonesia” vision for 2045.
“This opportunity will not come twice. Santris must work hard, collaborate, and innovate to seize it,” he emphasized.
West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan, who attended the event, said the vice president’s visit inspired students and alumni to continue contributing to religion and the nation.
He expressed hope that Gibran’s message would encourage santris to adapt to the changing times while preserving their cultural and religious identity.
The government has been encouraging Islamic boarding schools to integrate entrepreneurship, technology, and vocational skills into their curricula to strengthen their role in national development and help bridge Indonesia’s digital divide.
