Government: Many Ministers from Santri Backgrounds, Evidence Prabowo Supports Pesantren

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Head of the Indonesian Government Communication Agency (Bakom) Syahganda Nainggolan stated that President Prabowo Subianto is strongly supportive of the pesantren system.

Syahganda highlighted the numerous ministers in Prabowo's cabinet with backgrounds as santri.

This remark was made during the commemoration of National Santri Day on Thursday (22/10/2026).

“In the Red and White Cabinet led by President Prabowo, there are many ministers with a santri background; this is a clear support for the pesantren and the santri community,” Syahganda said in a press release on Thursday.

He emphasized that this demonstrates Prabowo's willingness to provide opportunities for pesantren graduates to contribute more broadly to national development.

Additionally, Syahganda noted that the government's support for santri and pesantren is reflected in the strengthening of pesantren institutions within the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

He revealed that the establishment of the Directorate General of Pesantren is an important step in positioning pesantren in a more strategic role.

“President Prabowo has tremendous concern for the santri and pesantren. It is only in this government that the Ministry of Religious Affairs has a Directorate General of Pesantren. This certainly elevates pesantren to a more strategic level in Indonesia's future human resources development,” he explained.

Syahganda believes that pesantren are more than just religious educational institutions; they also play a crucial role in maintaining unity, fostering tolerance, and shaping societal character.

These contributions, he stated, are part of the long journey of pesantren in supporting the life of the nation and are a vital asset for facing Indonesia's future.

“On behalf of the large family of the Indonesian Government Communication Agency, I would like to wish a Happy National Santri Day. Thank you for the tangible contributions of santri and pesantren in preserving the integrity of the nation, nurturing tolerance, and guiding Indonesia's progress. With the commitment and support of the President, we are confident that pesantren will be the backbone of a new Indonesian civilization in the future,” Syahganda said.

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar emphasized that National Santri Day 2026 carries a message about the responsibility of the santri generation in determining the direction of the nation's future.

“If in the past, santri strengthened the country by fighting to defend independence, today santri must empower the nation with knowledge, technology, innovation, and of course, noble character. The challenges of the times may change, but the spirit of devotion to our beloved nation must not fade for a santri,” stated Nasaruddin.