Here Are the Important Provisions for Santri in the Era of Globalisation

Essential Provisions for Santri in the Era of Globalisation

By: Annisa Zulfainia

Chemistry Education Student

Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training

UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta

Millennial santri (students of Islamic boarding schools) is the term often heard these days as a nickname for santri in this era of globalisation. The tide of globalisation can no longer be denied. Changes occur so rapidly that we must remain wise in responding to them, especially the attitude and role of millennial santri in building this nation. Because if not, the times will erode and destroy without even touching.

In the past, santri indeed focused only on religious matters. Moreover, the delivery to society still used the hallmark of traditional methods. This gave rise to a public view of santri in which the well-known image of santri is that they only deal with religion, yet do not give influence and contribution in the fields of politics, economics and technology.

If this is maintained, santri will lose to missionaries and to people who want to destroy religion and the nation even under the pretext of religion. Therefore the role of santri is greatly needed, and santri must also be able to keep pace by being moderate.

As we already know, santri are the successors of the ulama, and santri are heroes of Indonesia's independence. So it is only natural and proper that santri keep playing an active role in defending religion and continue to play an active role in the advancement of the country.

If santri only dig into religious knowledge and set aside general sciences, it may be that the order of life in society will later be filled by wrongdoers, from officials, businesspeople, employees and farmers to others.

Santri must be technology-literate, in order to stem ideas that would damage the country and the image of religion, by always creating, sharing and countering content that could damage the country and religion. In line with the slogan or expression well known among Nahdlatul Ulama, which means “Preserving the good old heritage and adopting the new that is better.“

Besides expertise in religion, santri must also have sufficient provisions to be able to work in synergy with globalisation. The essential provisions for millennial santri in this era of globalisation include, first, digital skills. Digital competence is important in relation to current conditions, namely the emergence of the digital ecosystem, millennial da'wah, and popular content. Digital skills, commonly known as digital skills, are a person's ability to understand, operate, use and utilise technology to access and manage information. The digital skill set needed include data analysis, programming, design, and digital marketing. Understanding digital culture keeps us from the tendency to be swept along by negative digitalisation (Sahid, 2022).

Second, in this millennial era santri must be able to stand firm and steadfast (istiqomah) in holding to the principles and characteristics of santri. The rise of juvenile delinquency, criminal cases, and the decline of morals among students in Indonesia caused by a lack of character-based education should not be experienced by santri. Because, as we know, there are already many problems today, both social and personal, in society itself. So, santri must be able to rise as agents of change (a movement of change) for the country, so that the country can progress further and millennial santri can be more enthusiastic in this digital era (Isna, 2022)

Third, santri must have high intellectual intelligence and critical reasoning in responding to every existing problem. In this context, santri knowledge must be able to adapt to the circumstances of the times, so that it is no longer limited by a dichotomy between worldly knowledge and knowledge of the hereafter. Santri must be able to master various fields of knowledge that can lead to victory in this world and the hereafter (Isna, 2022)

Besides that, it is indeed a necessity that religious knowledge and general knowledge play a very important role. But it does not stop there; it must of course be balanced with good deeds. Therefore, a santri, who is known to have good, polite and courteous behaviour, must set an example in the community and in national and state life of how to behave with good manners. Especially in a millennial era like today, many people do not care about manners in their lives.

In facing this globalisation we need figures who can remind us of the religion of Islam so that we are not lulled and negligent in carrying out every activity. In this respect, the role of the ulama and the santri is the main one. All the more so in spreading the religion of Islam. And they are also heirs of the Prophet in spreading this religion of Islam. As in the hadith of the Messenger of Allah SAW, which means, the ulama are the heirs of the prophets (narrated by At-Tirmidzi).

This hadith states the importance of the role of the ulama, who are the extended right hand of the Prophet in spreading Islam. From here we now know that the role of santri in facing this globalisation is very important. Because they are people who are educated and taught about the religion of Islam and general knowledge. The difference from others, however, is that santri have strong provisions and creed and are the successors of the ulama. And they are required to set a good example and invite others to the truth, just as the ulama's role in the midst of society (Shafrul, 2016).

Equipped with adequate knowledge and skills, it is hoped that santri can take an active part in the advancement of this country. Then, besides being useful to religion, they can also become agents of chance for the Indonesian nation.

https://m.harianmomentum.com/read/44209/harian-momentum-edisi-25-oktober-2022