Remembering the struggle of the santri (students of Islamic boarding schools, or pesantren) in defending independence cannot stop at ceremony. That spirit must be carried forward through mastery of science and technology, innovation, and real service to society and the nation. This message came to the fore at the 2026 Santri Day Commemoration Ceremony in the courtyard of the Saifuddin Zuhri Building (PAU) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta on Thursday, October 22.

Held under the theme “Santri Strengthening the Nation Toward Golden Indonesia,” the ceremony was attended by the entire UIN Sunan Kalijaga academic community, from the rector and vice rectors, bureau heads, and deans to lecturers, administrative staff, and students. The distinctive santri atmosphere showed in the male participants' attire of white tops, sarongs, and peci (traditional caps), creating a solemn mood and reflecting how closely pesantren tradition is tied to academic life on campus.

Unlike the usual ceremony, this year's Santri Day commemoration included a performance of the Santri Day March and a reading of the Resolution of Jihad (Resolusi Jihad). Both segments recalled the role of ulama and santri in the struggle to defend Indonesia's independence and affirmed that the values of that struggle remain relevant to the challenges of today.

Before the address of the Minister of Religious Affairs was read by UIN Sunan Kalijaga Rector Prof. Dr. Noorhaidi Hasan, the ceremony revisited the historical spirit behind the designation of Santri Day on October 22 each year.

In the Minister's address, Santri Day was affirmed as a moment to remember the Resolution of Jihad proclaimed by Hadratussyekh K.H. Hasyim Asy'ari on October 22, 1945. That call became an important part of the people's struggle to defend independence, which continued through the events of November 10, 1945, now commemorated as Heroes' Day.

However, remembering the struggles of earlier generations cannot be done through ceremonies and symbolic events alone. That spirit must be realized through work, service, and real contributions suited to the challenges of each era.

Whereas santri once took part in the physical struggle to defend independence, today their contribution can take the form of mastering science and technology, innovation, and strengthening noble character (akhlak). Santri are expected not to limit their aspirations or roles, but to be ready to become ulama, scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, and national leaders.

This message is in line with the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045 (Indonesia Emas 2045), which requires human resources who are excellent, principled, innovative, and able to adapt to changing times. Santri are encouraged to master both religious knowledge and science and technology, to preserve pesantren traditions without fearing change, and to uphold honesty and integrity.

This spirit is captured in the expression man jadda wajada: whoever strives earnestly will succeed. The message is a reminder that the nation's future is shaped in part by how earnestly its young people learn, create, and take on roles in society.

The Minister's address also highlighted the importance of strengthening pesantren as institutions. The establishment of the Directorate General of Pesantren within the Ministry of Religious Affairs was cited as a sign of the government's commitment to strengthening the strategic role of pesantren in Indonesia.

Pesantren function not only as religious educational institutions but also play an important role in religious outreach (dakwah) and community empowerment. Through these three functions, pesantren are expected to keep contributing to shaping character, fostering self-reliance, and expanding benefits for social life.

Santri were also invited to become pioneers in mastering science and technology, strengtheners of unity and harmony, drivers of economic self-reliance, and friends of the environment. In this way, pesantren values can be present in many areas of life and respond to the needs of a society that continues to change.

For Islamic universities, this spirit is a reminder of the importance of connecting scholarly traditions and Islamic values with advances in science and technology and with service to the community. Education is directed not only toward academic achievement but also toward character building and real contributions to the nation.

More than a commemoration for pesantren communities, Santri Day belongs to the entire Indonesian nation. The struggle of ulama and santri is part of a shared history that teaches the importance of unity, mutual cooperation (gotong royong), and love of country.

The principle of hubbul wathan minal iman, love of country is part of faith, affirms that service to the nation can be a place where different parts of society meet to preserve the unity of Indonesia.

After the Minister's address, the 2026 Santri Day program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga continued with the presentation of the Decree (SK) establishing the Pesantren Studies Center by Rector Prof. Dr. Noorhaidi Hasan to the Center's Head, Martin van Bruinessen. The ceremony is an important step in strengthening pesantren studies within the university.

The program then continued with the signing of the inauguration plaque for the Martin van Bruinessen Pesantren Studies Center by the Rector, accompanied by the Chair of the Senate and the Head of the Center.

The presence of this center is an opportunity for UIN Sunan Kalijaga to strengthen academic attention to pesantren as institutions of education, religious outreach, and community empowerment that play an important role in the nation's journey. Its inauguration also gives concrete meaning to the spirit of Santri Day 2026: carrying forward the scholarly and struggle heritage of pesantren through the development of knowledge and academic contributions to society.

The 2026 Santri Day ceremony at UIN Sunan Kalijaga thus became a moment to keep historical memory alive while strengthening the shared commitment to building the future. The santri spirit is reflected not only in sarongs and peci or in the chanting of a struggle march, but above all in earnest study, upholding good character, nurturing unity, and bringing benefit to others.

As the Minister's address declared, “Santri Day 2026! Santri Strengthening the Nation Toward Golden Indonesia!” That spirit is a call for all parts of the nation to continue the struggle of earlier generations through knowledge, work, and service for a more advanced Indonesia. (humassk)