President Prabowo Praises Pondok Gontor Leadership: The Speech Was Very Modern and Efficient

PONOROGO, KOMPAS.com – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto praised Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor (PMDG) as an educational institution that upholds discipline.

He made these remarks while attending the 100th Anniversary thanksgiving reception of PMDG in Ponorogo, East Java, on Saturday (9/19/2026).

Prabowo initially commended the speech delivered by the leader of Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor, KH Hasan Abdullah Sahal, describing it as brief and efficient.

"Earlier, the leader of Pondok Pesantren Darussalam Gontor, Kiai Haji Hasan Abdullah Sahal, gave a speech. His address was very modern and highly efficient," he said during his speech on Saturday, (9/19/2026).

According to Prabowo, this style of delivery can serve as an example for various institutions conducting official events.

Discipline is a Must

He even joked that he himself must be disciplined because he was attending an environment that highly values discipline.

"Let’s not have the guests be undisciplined in a place that upholds discipline," he added.

Prabowo then connected Gontor’s century-long journey with the vision instilled by its founders, KH Ahmad Sahal, KH Zainuddin Fanani, and KH Imam Zarkasyi.

He said the founders, 100 years ago, likely never imagined how far their aspirations would grow.

"They probably never imagined how far the ideals they planted would develop, which have now grown immensely and spread everywhere," said Prabowo.

Prabowo noted that Gontor’s progress can now be seen by its influence spreading throughout Indonesia and across the globe.

"Today, we see its fruits spread throughout Indonesia and various corners of the world," he emphasized.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Gontor family for the honor of inviting him to attend and deliver a speech at the centennial celebration.

"I would like to sincerely thank you for the great honor extended to me to be invited to give a speech at the 100th Anniversary celebration and thanksgiving of Pondok Pesantren Darussalam Gontor, Ponorogo, East Java," said Prabowo.

Several government officials and national figures also attended the event, including East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, East Java Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak, MPR RI Deputy Speaker Hidayat Nur Wahid, and Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono.

Additionally, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, Minister of Higher Education, Science, other government officials, pesantren leaders, Islamic scholars, students, alumni, and representatives of friendly nations were present.