Director of Kemenag's PD Pontren, Dr. Basnang Said: Santris Aren't Just Symbols, They're the Face of Indonesia

Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Online News — Santris (Islamic boarding school students) are not just religious symbols integral to the Ministry of Religious Affairs; they represent the very face of Indonesia.

This statement was made by Dr. Basnang Said, M.Ag., Director of Pesantren at the Directorate General of Islamic Education, Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, during the Santri Summit 2025 event. The summit, themed "Santris' Contribution to the Nation through the Community of Santri Scholars of Ministry of Religious Affairs (CSSMoRA)," took place on Sunday (June 29, 2025).

According to Dr. Basnang, santris hold a strategic position because they embody moderate Islamic values and actively contribute to maintaining national unity and identity.

“Santris don't just belong to the Ministry of Religious Affairs; they belong to the entire nation. They carry the values of honesty, integrity, and social concern, which are very much needed in building Indonesia's future civilization,” he explained.

Dr. Basnang added that amidst the rapid pace of modern development, the state continues to consider religion a crucial element in determining policy direction and development. In this context, the presence of santris becomes highly relevant. They don't just fulfill religious roles; they also become agents of change capable of addressing contemporary challenges while remaining grounded in spiritual values.

“The state will continue to prioritize religious interests, because religion is the moral and ethical foundation in facing the advancements of the times. And santris are an important part of that effort,” he asserted.

The event, a collaboration between UIN Jakarta's Community of Santri Scholars of Ministry of Religious Affairs (CSSMoRA), Youtz Media, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, was attended by several national figures, academics, and dozens of young influencers and content creators from various fields.

A number of influencers were also scheduled to fill the sessions, including Rinaldi Nur Ibrahim, Risty Tagor, Inara Rusli, Shakira Amirah, Wirda Mansur, Dr. Elza Amelia Firdaus, EL Alice, Fildzah Izzati Ismah, Rian Fahardhi, Ang Sharly, Raihan Habib, Fardi Yandi, Raden Hanif, Teuku Daffa, and content creator Bicara Pede.

These influencers will share their experiences and knowledge across various fields, from talk shows on mental health and Islamic spirituality, career and writing, maintaining Islamic values in the Gen Z era, to tips on becoming a beneficial content creator.

In addition to talk shows, the event series will feature artistic performances, public outreach, video screenings, and awards for creative video competitions. The activities are open to students and the general public free of charge.

(Aida Adha/Fauziah M/Noeni Indah S.)