Bekasi – In celebration of National Santri Day (HSN) 2025, Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) Nusron Wahid delivered an inspiring message to all santri across Indonesia. During the ceremony held at Mahasina Darul Qur’an wal Hadits Islamic Boarding School, Bekasi City, West Java, on Wednesday (October 22, 2025), Nusron encouraged santri to be a generation that not only excels in religious knowledge but also contributes to the nation’s prosperity and advancement.
“Santri must have a strong determination to bring prosperity to the people of Indonesia. It’s not enough to educate the nation — they must also help make it more prosperous,” said Minister Nusron with enthusiasm.
Santri as the Pillar of National Progress
According to Nusron, santri have played a vital role in Indonesia’s history. While in the past they fought to expel colonial powers, today’s challenge is to fill independence with innovation, creativity, and leadership that benefits society.
“In the past, santri were recognized for their struggle against colonialism. Now, they must show their contribution in shaping 80 years of Indonesian independence. Santri should never be sidelined from the national stage. They must transform and contribute meaningfully to the country,” he emphasized.
The Historical Meaning of National Santri Day
Minister Nusron reminded everyone of the deep historical roots behind National Santri Day. The date October 22, 1945, marks the jihad resolution declared by santri and clerics, which later fueled the great battle of November 10, 1945, in Surabaya.
“National Santri Day and Heroes Day are inseparable. The heroic battle in Surabaya wouldn’t have happened without the spirit of jihad from the santri and clerics,” Nusron explained.
Santri Must Be Scholars and Innovators
Quoting the Islamic scholar Syekh Abdul Qadir Al-Jailani, Nusron said that human leadership rests on three pillars: the knowledge of scholars, the wisdom of intellectuals, and the determination of rulers.
“Modern santri must prepare to be both scholars and technocrats. They should master various fields — medicine, technology, finance, and energy. Santri must also possess the heart of a statesman, leading with unity and without resentment,” he stated.
The Importance of Knowledge Lineage in Religious Studies
In the digital era, Nusron also stressed the importance of sanad — the chain of knowledge transmission — in studying religion. He reminded santri not to rely solely on social media for religious learning.
“Studying religion requires talaki and sanad. Without sanad, people can easily go astray and falsely claim their opinions represent religion,” he warned.
Hope for Indonesia’s Santri
Concluding his speech, Minister Nusron expressed his hope that santri will continue to play a growing role — not only in religious life but also in building Indonesia’s prosperity and progress.
“May the existence of santri in Indonesia become more significant, and may their contribution continue to grow in advancing, prospering, and uplifting the nation,” Nusron concluded.
Also present at the event were the caretaker of Mahasina Islamic Boarding School Abah Abu Bakar Rahziz, Public Communication Advisor Rahmat Sahid, and Head of the Bekasi City Land Office Heri Purwanto, along with their staff.
