Cak Imin Opens National Santri Day in Dar El Hikmah Islamic Boarding School, Pekanbaru

PEKANBARU, KOMPAS.com - Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin) officially opened the National Santri Day commemorations at Dar El Hikmah Islamic Boarding School in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Thursday (22/10/2026).

Addressing the students, clerics, and management of the boarding school, Cak Imin emphasized that Riau has a long history as a center of Islamic civilization that serves as a pathway to safety for the entire nation and the world.

"Santri are the heirs of a history clearly forged by scholars, built through sweat, tears, heart, soul, and tireless devotion up to this day," said Cak Imin during his speech as the ceremony's keynote speaker.

Cak Imin expressed his happiness, noting that on the 11th anniversary of National Santri Day, he could visit the land of Lancang Kuning, Riau Malay Province.

"We are also grateful for the strong, resilient legacy given to our country, nation, and community amidst various diversities, pluralities, and differing ethnicities. This legacy must be preserved together," he stated.

According to him, santri possess a resilient spirit, educated with great seriousness, honed through simplicity, and built on endurance.

"The character of santri is one that can be independent and empowered, not relying on anyone else, but rather on their own abilities. Santri carry within them self-potential, integrity, and readiness to face all challenges," he remarked.

On this National Santri Day, Cak Imin urged santri across Indonesia to prepare themselves to understand the legacy inherited and to shape a better future compared to previous generations.

He hopes that santri will earnestly practice Islamic teachings and continuously strive to walk the sacred path of heart, mind, and actions.

"Thus, santri bear significant meaning for all the children of the nation who today contribute across various sectors of social, economic, political life and other fields in the effort to build the nation," he added.

The Chairman of the National Awakening Party reminded everyone that there are great challenges amidst the international landscape, geopolitical and geo-economic issues, and various humanitarian problems at the global level.

"This demands us as a nation to strengthen our unity, building independence without relying on any other nation," he emphasized.

"I am fully confident that it is the santri who will provide solutions and answers to the efforts for our national independence, to efforts for becoming a strong nation based on the wealth and resources we possess," he concluded.