PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - The Garut Regency Government (Pemkab) distributed grant funds to nine Islamic boarding schools through the Great Santri Program in commemoration of National Santri Day 2026, Thursday (22/10/2026).

The distribution of the grant took place at Otista Field, Garut City District, in conjunction with the National Santri Day commemoration ceremony at the Garut Regency level.

The Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Garut Regency, Nurdin Yana, led the ceremony and read out the message from the Minister of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia, Nasaruddin Umar.

In his speech, Nurdin said that Santri Day is a momentum to commemorate the struggle of ulama and santri in winning and maintaining Indonesian independence.

"History records that the Jihad Resolution proclaimed by KH Hasyim Asy'ari on October 22, 1945, raised the fighting spirit of Muslims to defend Indonesian independence," said Nurdin Yana.

He emphasized that the current struggle of Islamic boarding school students is realized through mastery of science, technology, innovation, and strengthening of noble morals.

"The challenges of the times are changing, but the spirit of devotion to this beloved country for a student must not be extinguished," he stressed.

The 2026 National Santri Day carries the theme "Santri Strengthening the Nation Towards a Golden Indonesia." This theme emphasizes the strategic role of santri in determining the nation's future as Indonesia approaches its 100th anniversary of independence in 2045.

Nurdin said that the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045 requires superior human resources (HR) who are technologically proficient, have noble morals, and are innovative.

"This is where students must play a crucial role. Students should not feel small, nor should they limit themselves. Students can become anything from religious scholars, scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, to national leaders as long as they continue to study diligently and dedicate their knowledge to Indonesia," he said.

He also advised students to become pioneers of scientific advancement, guardians of harmony and unity, drivers of economic independence, and friends of the environment.

According to him, religious values can be an inspiration to protect the earth and spread peace.

"Don't let differences divide us, because a strong Indonesia can only be built through togetherness," he said.

Nurdin hopes that Islamic boarding schools will increasingly optimally carry out their three main functions, namely education, preaching, and community empowerment.

"By optimally carrying out their three functions, Islamic boarding schools will increasingly play a significant role in national development and become a vital force in realizing Golden Indonesia 2045," he concluded.

Grants Distributed to 9 Islamic Boarding Schools

In a series of commemorations, the Garut Regency Government distributed grant funds through the Great Santri Program to the following nine Islamic boarding schools:

* Miftahul Anwar Islamic Boarding School, Bayongbong District.

* Jabal Syarif Islamic Boarding School, Cilawu District.

* Miftahul Huda Al Basyariyah 488 Islamic Boarding School, Cisurupan District.

* Siliwangi Islamic Boarding School, Leles District.

* Sirojul Huda Islamic Boarding School, Sukawening District.

* Mount Cikuray Islamic Boarding School, Cigedug District.

* Zawiyah Islamic Boarding School, Samarang District.

* Al-Yuka Garut Al-Qur'an Memorization Islamic Boarding School, Banyuresmi District.

* Al-Ittihad Islamic Boarding School, Tarogong Kidul District.

The distribution of this grant is part of the Garut Regency Government's support for Islamic boarding schools to further optimize their educational, preaching, and community empowerment functions.

(Garut Regency Communications and Information Service/bhf)