Palembang, The Indonesia Post – South Sumatra Governor H. Herman Deru emphasized that Islamic boarding school students (santri) play a significant role not only in the nation’s history but also in building future civilization. He made this statement while acting as the inspector of the 2025 Santri Day Ceremony held at Campus 3 of the Muqimus Sunnah Islamic Boarding School, alongside representatives from Islamic boarding schools around Palembang (Wednesday, October 22, 2025).
In his address, Governor Herman Deru stated that Santri Day, which is commemorated every October 22, is a form of state respect for the struggle of santri and ulama in winning and maintaining Indonesian independence.
“Santri are not only religious students, but also national fighters. The spirit of the Jihad Resolution, championed by KH. Hasyim Asy’ari in 1945, is clear evidence of the significant role of Islamic boarding schools and santri in the nation’s history,” said Deru.
This year’s Santri Day commemoration carries the theme “Guarding Indonesia’s Independence, Towards Global Civilization.” The Governor believes this theme serves as a reminder for santri to continue contributing to bringing Islamic, national, and humanitarian values to the global level.
He also expressed his appreciation to all the Islamic boarding schools present, while emphasizing the South Sumatra Provincial Government’s commitment to continue supporting the strengthening of Islamic boarding schools as important pillars in character building for the younger generation.
“Islamic boarding schools are the nation’s moral and intellectual strongholds. Students must become a generation that is intellectually intelligent, spiritually strong, and socially resilient,” he added. (mhn/ril)
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