Indonesian Minister Urges Pesantren to Cultivate Leaders and Managers

Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. KH Nasaruddin Umar, is pushing for Islamic boarding schools, known as pesantren, to produce graduates who are not only capable leaders but also adept at professional organization and management. He highlighted the example of KH Abdul Wahab Hasbullah, the founder of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), as a figure who embodied both visionary leadership and strong managerial skills.

Speaking at an event in Yogyakarta focused on a book about KH Abdul Wahab Hasbullah, Nasaruddin stressed that the Directorate General of Pesantren must strengthen the unique identity and character of these institutions. He believes pesantren possess distinct ontological, epistemological, and axiological foundations that should be reinforced to meet societal needs and adapt to changing times.

Nasaruddin argued that simply producing charismatic leaders is insufficient for the future of pesantren. He called for institutions to also cultivate managers who are adaptable to change and can leverage technology for institutional advancement. The minister suggested that the model of Muhammad, who combined leadership with managerial prowess, could serve as an inspiration for pesantren development in Indonesia.