Saturday, 24 October 2026
DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - The annual decline in the number of Santri, students attending Islamic boarding schools known as Pesantren, is becoming an increasing concern for Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan. He has called on Pesantren to improve the quality of education, strengthen character development and equip graduates with practical skills. These measures are intended to better prepare students for further education and enable them to contribute to various areas of society and professional life.
Asri Ludin delivered the message at the opening of competitions marking National Santri Day 2026 (Hari Santri Nasional, HSN) at Pesantren At-Tibyan in Beringin District on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. He emphasised that Pesantren must continue to develop to meet parents' expectations for their children's futures. They must also help shape a generation capable of remaining competitive amid social change and evolving labour market demands.
Of the 73 registered Pesantren in Deli Serdang Regency, 54 are taking part in the HSN 2026 events. Deli Serdang is also hosting the provincial-level National Santri Day 2026 celebrations in North Sumatra.
Asri Ludin views the challenges facing the education sector as an opportunity to improve teaching quality and student support at Pesantren. In his view, it is no longer sufficient for these institutions to focus exclusively on religious knowledge. They must also prepare graduates to pursue different educational pathways and succeed in a wide range of professional fields.
"Pesantren must be able to meet parents' expectations for their children's futures. Graduates must be able to adapt and contribute in various fields, whether in government administration, healthcare, defence and security, or other sectors," he stressed.
His statement highlights the importance of providing Islamic boarding school graduates with greater opportunities to participate in community life, public services and regional development. Religious knowledge remains the foundation of their education. However, general education, practical skills and adaptability are also essential if they are to meet future challenges successfully.
Pesantren should also help students identify their interests and abilities from an early stage. Appropriate guidance can support them in choosing further education that aligns with their personal ambitions while building the confidence needed to compete for future opportunities.
The Regent stressed that Pesantren leaders, teachers and other stakeholders in the education sector must work together to strengthen the character of Santri. Sustainable character development cannot rely solely on curricula and classroom instruction; it also requires consistent guidance in everyday life.
"Children who have already decided on a particular life goal must receive proper guidance. Prepare them physically, mentally and academically so that they can gain admission to the further education institution they want to attend," he added.
Improving educational quality is an important step towards maintaining public confidence in Pesantren. Parents expect their children not only to acquire religious knowledge and develop good character, but also to receive an education that offers better long-term prospects.
Pesantren must therefore place greater emphasis on discipline, independence, knowledge and practical skills. A comprehensive approach to education should help Santri navigate social changes while improving their opportunities to obtain further academic qualifications.
Against this backdrop, the HSN 2026 competitions provide an opportunity to showcase the abilities and achievements of Santri. Asri Ludin urged participants to take an active part in the events and use the occasion to demonstrate the respective strengths of their Pesantren.
"Use this series of events as an opportunity to showcase the strengths of the various Pesantren in Deli Serdang," he said.
The participation of 54 Pesantren in the HSN 2026 events helps strengthen ties between religious educational institutions. However, developing these institutions requires sustained, long-term efforts to ensure that a competitive spirit translates into better teaching standards and more effective support for graduates.
Alongside efforts to improve educational quality, the Deli Serdang Regency Government is strengthening its policy support through the adoption of a regional regulation on the development and support of Pesantren. According to Asri Ludin, Deli Serdang is currently the only regency in North Sumatra Province to have adopted such a regulation.
The regulation provides a legal basis for the regional administration to support Pesantren within the scope of its authority. It also creates further opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the regency government and Pesantren leaders in developing religious education.
"Pesantren have enormous potential to educate the next generation of our nation. That is why we need support and cooperation to ensure that Santri possess not only a strong foundation in religious knowledge, but also the knowledge, mental resilience and skills they need to contribute to development," he explained.
The decline in Santri numbers requires joint efforts from Pesantren leaders, the government, parents and the wider community. Better educational quality, stronger character development, preparation for the labour market and improved access to further education are crucial to maintaining public confidence in Pesantren.
Through National Santri Day 2026, Deli Serdang is seeking to strengthen the role of Pesantren in educating a generation with strong character, sound knowledge and the ability to compete. These efforts are intended not only to secure the future of Pesantren education but also to expand the contribution of Santri to regional and national development. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
