
Observance of National Santri Day 2023 at UIN Antasari, Reminding the Spirit of the 1945 Jihad Resolution
BANJARMASIN – The courtyard of the Learning Resource Center Building at Campus 1 was packed with hundreds of male and female santri (Islamic boarding school students) attending the National Santri Day 2023 event. UIN Antasari’s leadership was present, complete with sarongs and koko shirts.They all listened to the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia’s address, read by the Rector, Prof. Dr. H. Mujiburrahman, M.A., as the leader of the event, with the theme “Santri Jihad to Enrich the Nation,” a reminder of the journey of the santri in upholding the dignity of humanity for Indonesia.
“Their spirit of jihad in practicing their religion and fighting for independence is worthy of emulation. National Santri Day is the right moment to reflect on our role in making our country prosperous,” said the Minister in his written speech on Sunday (10/22).
On this occasion, Minister Yaqut Cholil Coumas also called on all his officials to be intelligent, caring for others, and ready to contribute positively to society and the nation.
“Therefore, let us contemplate and embody the spirit of santri jihad in our daily lives. Our struggle is not simply physical but a struggle against ignorance, injustice, poverty, and all forms of inequality,” emphasized the Minister.
At this event, the Jihad Resolution Text was read by the Chair of the UIN Antasari Senate, Prof. Dr. H. A. Hafiz Anshary A.Z., M.A., and at the end of the event, the Santri Day March Song was played, serving as a reminder of the birth and establishment of National Santri Day, commemorating the heroic events of November 10, 1945 (Heroes’ Day). “The song is very inspiring, and it brings us, alumni of Islamic boarding schools who are now students at UIN Antasari, the spirit to continue striving, to pursue knowledge,” said Nadia Luthfiana Nur Afifah, a graduate of Nurul Musthofa Islamic Boarding School in Tabalong Regency.

Together with her friends from the special ulama (Islamic scholar) program, she attended the event. Among her colleagues, some came from South Sumatra to pursue higher education at UIN Antasari, coming from Al-Ittifaqiah Islamic Boarding School in Indralaya District, Ogan Ilir Regency.
“It is very enjoyable to study here; the lecturers are friendly, and the programs encourage us to live with discipline and better morals,” said Nurjanah, a student in the Department of Quranic Studies and Exegesis to the Public Relations office.
National Santri Day is commemorated regularly at UIN Antasari every year, with more participants this year compared to the previous year when the event was limited.
()