Jakarta (ANTARA) - Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas stated that Santri Day is a momentum to encourage santris (Islamic boarding school pupils) to defend Indonesia from various threats.

"Anyone who wants to harass our independence, which ulemas and santris also fought for in the past, (must first face) santris who will be in the front line to defend (our country) against all threats," Qoumas stated during the 2022 Santri Day commemoration ceremony here, Saturday.

This year's Santri Day theme, "Empowered to maintain humanity", is to motivate santris to contribute to national development, he said, adding that santris must be ready to devote their lives to the nation.

"We are those who enjoy what past santris fought for. We must not be complacent over the current condition we enjoy, and santris must not feel superior because they have the Santri Day," the minister underlined.

Qoumas said that upon completing their education, a santri can become everything they desire, including a minister or an entrepreneur, as long as they learn wholeheartedly and study the religion seriously.

He pointed out that Vice President Ma'ruf Amin and other cabinet ministers were also santris.

"The first duty for santris is to learn (the Quran). You must first learn (the Quran) diligently and study properly. If you adhering this, God Willing, you will achieve all that you desire," Qoumas stated.

Meanwhile, the ministry's Director General of Islamic Education Muhammad Ali Ramdhani said that this year's Santri Day commemoration is also to pray for past heroes and entreat God to bless the country.

"With our Salawat (salutations for Muhammad), we hope this event will bring countless blessings for the Indonesian nation to be harmonious, united, and work together to build our country," Ramdhani remarked.
Editor : Fardah Assegaf