Pesantren Genggong Probolinggo: Every Student is a Journalist

TIMESINDONESIA, PROBOLINGGO – In the dynamic realm of Islamic education, a revolutionary initiative is taking root at Pesantren Genggong in Probolinggo, East Java. Under the compelling banner, "Every santri is a journalist," the resonating slogan filled the air during the Media Development Seminar on February 4, 2024, orchestrated by the Genggong Boarding School Information Bureau.

The seminoar was guided by the visionary leadership of KH Ahsan Hasan Malik, the stalwart figure of Pesantren Genggong and the head of Kominfo. It drew media managers from diverse Islamic boarding schools, setting the stage for a transformative journey into the digital era.

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Fondly known as Nun Alik, KH Ahsan Hasan Malik emphasized the imperative for Islamic boarding schools to not merely adapt but to pioneer the utilization of media. "Islamic boarding schools, as the vanguards of traditional Islamic education in Indonesia, must dynamically confront the challenges of the times, especially technological advancements," he declared.

In response to this call, Pesantren Genggong or GEnggong Islamic Boarding School pledged to elevate Genggong Nusantara as the premier Islamic national media rooted in the essence of boarding school education. This media initiative aims to collaborate on a national and international scale, fostering Islamic literacy and strengthening the fabric of boarding school education in Indonesia.

"I believe Genggong Nusantara will evolve into the Islamic News and Boarding School Center aligned with Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah an-Nahdliyah in Indonesia," expressed Nun Alik.

Empowering the Student Body

To fortify this vision, Khoirul Anwar, a prominent figure from Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), was invited to shed light on the urgency of instilling authentic Islamic literacy in Islamic boarding schools. Gus Anwar emphasized that this literacy is not merely a distinctive identity but a vital foundation to navigate the unstoppable flow of digital information.

As the CEO of TIMES Indonesia, Gus Anwar urged Islamic boarding schools to strengthen their engagement through collaborative digital content creation. "This is not merely about adaptation; it's about taking an active role in creating and disseminating quality and authentic Islamic content," he asserted.

A pivotal theme emerged during the seminar – the role of santri (students). Beyond being consumers of information, santri were encouraged to embrace the role of creators, crafting and disseminating Islamic content rooted in their experiences and knowledge.

"Santri are not only crucial as active players in disseminating Islamic information but also as shapers of contemporary Islamic opinions and thoughts. They should be involved in a broader universal missionary role," Gus Anwar emphasized .

Gus Anwar clarified that 'santri' encompasses not only current students but also alumni who continually learn and follow the guidance of their mentors. The term reflects an enduring identity that persists even after completing their studies.

Considering every santri as a journalist became the mantra, a notion championed by Gus Anwar, an alumnus of Darul Ulum Jombang and caretaker of Pesantren Darul Muslimin, Ploso, Jombang.

From Slogan to Action: Forging a New Narrative

The initiative "Every student is a journalist" is not a mere slogan but a call for a transformative movement, integrating traditional Islamic values with the latest technological innovations.

This seminar marked the initiation of a bridge between Islamic traditions and the digital era—a bold step affirming the pivotal role of Islamic education amid global changes. It sparked discussions, insights, and a shared vision for Islamic boarding schools and their students to become leaders and innovators in spreading the message of peace and enlightenment brought by Islam globally.

As the seminar concluded, participants delved into AI technology to create content, merging technological advancements with the scholarly knowledge acquired in the pesantren.

With a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and dedication, the initiative "Every student is a journalist" stands poised to bring positive change, shaping the future of Islamic education especially for Pesantren Genggong in the digital era. This journey invites Islamic boarding schools and their students across Indonesia to embrace a new narrative, becoming architects of a dynamic and empowered Islamic education landscape.

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