Indonesian Islamic Boarding School Cultivates Farmers for Food Security

In Bogor, Indonesia, Pesantren Pertanian Darul Fallah is pioneering a unique educational model that blends Islamic studies with practical agricultural skills. The pesantren aims to cultivate students who are not only spiritually grounded but also equipped to bolster national food security, a growing concern amid declining youth interest in agriculture.

The institution, located in Kampung Lemahdhuhur, Desa Benteng, Ciampea, operates on a hands-on learning philosophy. Students engage directly with farming, livestock, and fishery units, moving beyond traditional classroom and mosque settings. Ustadz Iman Tohaga, the pesantren's Deputy Head of Education, explained that integrating agriculture into the curriculum fulfills the founders' vision of aligning religious education with entrepreneurship.

"Indonesia is an agrarian country," Ustadz Iman stated. "Therefore, education must extend beyond the mosque or classroom to the fields. Students should gain not only religious knowledge but also life skills applicable in society."

The pesantren's integrated curriculum focuses on developing three core student characteristics: 'fikriyah syakhsiyah' (intellectual and competency development for societal competitiveness), 'ruhiyah syakhsiyah' (strengthening spirituality for da'wah or religious outreach), and 'amaliyah syakhsiyah' (practical skills through agricultural activities and other self-reliance programs).

To remain relevant, the pesantren is also developing an "urban farming" concept to appeal to younger generations. Ustadz Iman noted that graduates will possess both entrepreneurial acumen and practical life experience, with 20% of the curriculum dedicated to entrepreneurship and agricultural practice. This holistic approach ensures students are prepared for diverse roles in society, contributing to both economic development and religious guidance.

“

Indonesia is an agrarian country. Therefore, education must extend beyond the mosque or classroom to the fields. Students should gain not only religious knowledge but also life skills applicable in society.