Menag urges santri to master science, technology and AI
He paired the call with a push to preserve pesantren traditions, including kitab kuning study, halaqah and scholarly sanad.
Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar urged santri to master science, technology, medicine and artificial intelligence during Munajat Santri untuk Negeri at Masjid Istiqlal in Jakarta on Friday night. He said pesantren need to adapt to changing times so graduates are not only strong in religious knowledge but can also contribute as scientists, doctors, engineers and in other professions. Nasaruddin cited Baitul Hikmah under Harun Ar-Rasyid and Al-Ma'mun as a model of Islamic tradition that advanced through knowledge and cross-background collaboration. At the same time, he asked pesantren to preserve scholarly traditions such as kitab kuning study, halaqah and the continuity of sanad while using digital technology to expand access to literature and scholarly networks.