PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Acting Governor of West Java, Bey Machmudin led the commemoration ceremony for National Santri Day (HSN) at the West Java Province Level in 2024 in the front yard of Gedung Sate, Bandung City, Tuesday (22/10/2024).

In his speech, Bey Machmudin read out the message of the Minister of Religion which emphasized the importance of the role of students in the history of the nation's struggle and the challenges faced by students in the modern era.

Carrying the theme "Continuing the Struggle to Embrace the Future", this year's Santri Day invites all students to not only remember the struggles of their predecessors, but to become pillars of the nation's future through education, innovation, and technology.

Bey emphasized that the struggle of today's students is different from the past, where now they must raise their pens to fight against ignorance and backwardness, not weapons like when fighting the colonialists.

"Continuing the struggle is not just about remembering, but also acting with the same spirit in facing the challenges of the modern era. Today's students are responsible for not only maintaining the noble values inherited, but also contributing to building a better future for society," said Bey.

Bey also emphasized that students have great potential to become anything, including national leaders.

He reminded that Indonesia once had a president with a santri background, namely KH. Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur and the vice president, KH. Ma'ruf Amin also came from a pesantren environment.

"Santri can become president, minister, businessman, bureaucrat, anything. The important thing is to keep fighting, work hard, and not give up easily," he added.

In addition, the ceremony also saw the presentation of awards to the winners of the 30th National MTQ in East Kalimantan.

Special appreciation is given to Aliyudin, Nunu Nugraha, and Sofia for their brilliant achievements.

Not only that, as many as 5,000 halal certificates were also handed over to MSME actors in West Java as a form of support for the development of small and medium enterprises in this province.

Santri Day, Bey continued, does not only belong to santri and Islamic boarding schools, but to all elements of the nation who love this country.

"Santri Day belongs to all of us. Let's celebrate it with pride and commitment to continue building Indonesia," he invited.

The commemoration of Santri Day 2024 is an important momentum to remind santri that they play a big role in shaping the future of Indonesia.

With the fighting spirit inherited from their predecessors, students are expected to be able to face various global challenges, create innovations, and continue to contribute to the progress of the nation.