The Vibrant National Santri Day 2025 Ceremony at the Darul Ma’arif Kaplongan Islamic Boarding School Ignites the National Spirit and Exemplary Santri

darulmaarif.net – Indramayu, 22 October 2025 | 08.00 WIB

The main square of the Kaplongan Darul Ma’arif Foundation looked green and cool since morning. Thousands of students from various levels of education, from NU Kindergarten, NU Elementary School, NU Darul Ma’arif Middle School, NU Kaplongan Middle School, NU Mechanics Vocational School, NU Martitim Vocational School, NU Kaplongan High School, Darul Ma’arif Islamic Boarding School, to Darul Ma’arif University, poured out to take part in the 2025 National Santri Day (HSN) commemoration ceremony which took place solemnly and full of national spirit, Tuesday (22/10/2025).

Everyone appeared with pride wearing the distinctive uniform of their respective institutions. On the side of the main stage, there were teachers and invited guests from various agencies, including representatives from Bank Syariah Indonesia, BNI, and Mandiri, who were also present to provide support and awards to the competition winners.

The event began with creative entertainment from the students: a mix of modern music, regional dances, and the Pagar Nusa martial arts collaboration that inspired a sense of nationalism. From the loudspeakers came chants, “Santri, Santri Day! Earth students love the country,” which was greeted with loud applause.

One by one the appearance of the educational units appeared charming. NU Kaplongan Middle School opened the event with an energetic collaboration of music and dance, followed by NU Maritim Vocational School with the “Topeng Samba” dance which combines local Indramayu wisdom with modern rhythms. Not to forget, the Pagar Nusa silat collaboration from NU Darul Ma’arif Middle School and NU Kaplongan High School amazed the audience with beautiful movements but full of philosophical meaning.

“Pencak silat Pagar Nusa NU is not just self-defense. It is part of national identity and cultural heritage that must be protected,” said the trainer, Ust. Juedi, as Chief Executive of National Santri Day 2025 in a short interview session between appearances.

The audience’s cheers echoed again when “Wonderful of Egypt” was performed, a modern dance from SMK NU Kaplongan which depicts the courage and grace of women. Dressed in gold and navy blue costumes, the dancers looked so confident under the spotlight of the stage lights.

Exactly at 08.00 WIB, the host began the ceremony solemnly. All participants stood up straight to welcome the arrival of the asatidz, teacher council, and caretakers of the Darul Ma’arif Foundation. The songs “Indonesia Raya” and “Ya Lal Wathan” were sung together with enthusiasm, followed by a salute to the Red and White flag and the reading of the Pancasila text by representatives of the Islamic boarding school.

This time, the 2025 National Santri Day ceremony was led directly by Mrs. Nyai Alfa Fadilah, SHI, who also gave a message containing an inspirational message about the struggle of santri to maintain Islamic and national values. In his speech, he emphasized that santri are not only the successors of ulama, but also the guardians of the nation’s morals amidst the challenges of modernity.

In her address, the Inspector of the 2025 National Santri Day Ceremony, Mrs. Nyai Alfa Fadilah, SHI, conveyed an in-depth reflection on the meaning of Santri Day and the strategic role of Islamic boarding schools in maintaining the integrity of the nation.

“It has been eleven years in a row that every October 22 we are called to remember and emulate the struggle of the ulama and santri in guarding Indonesia’s independence.

“Santri Day is not just a commemoration, but a momentum to revive the national passion so that we are able to continue the ideals of independence inherited by the ulama,” he said.
On that occasion, Mrs. Nyai Alfa also expressed her deep condolences for the deaths of 67 students at the Al-Khazini Islamic Boarding School some time ago. “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.

They are the martyrs of knowledge, warriors who prepare themselves to become pillars of the nation. Lahumul Fatihah,” he said enthusiastically in front of thousands of students.

He reiterated that the santri struggle has become an important part of the nation’s history. “We must not forget the Jihad Resolution of 22 October 1945 which was initiated by Hadratus Syaikh KH. Hasyim Asy’ari. The call for jihad ignited the spirit of the people and became a turning point in the nation’s struggle. From there the spirit of national jihad was born – a spirit that combines love of religion and love of the homeland. Because for the santri, hubbul wathan minal iman, love of the homeland is part of faith,” he stressed.

Referring to broadcasts from one of the national media which displayed negative framing about Islamic boarding schools and kiai, he conveyed a firm but calm attitude. “The light of Islamic boarding schools, ulama and Islamic boarding school is not a man-made light. It is light from Allah, and can never be extinguished even though the whole world tries to extinguish it. We don’t need to respond with anger, just prove with work and example that Islamic boarding schools are the nation’s moral fortress,” he said confidently.

Mrs. Nyai Alfa also advised students not only to excel in religious knowledge, but also in mastering science and technology. “Today’s students must be able to penetrate the boundaries of modernity. There must be students who are experts in the fields of technology, economics, politics, medicine, science and broadcasting. Be faithful scientists, dignified technocrats and leaders with Koranic morals,” he said enthusiastically.

In closing his address, he quoted the message of Rosululloh SAW to strengthen the spirit of students. “Santri are the moral guardians of the nation, guardians of civilization. Your value is not measured by your robes, but by the benefits you provide to the people. Khairunnas anfa’uhum linnas – the best human beings are those who are most beneficial to other humans. Be the generation that upholds an Indonesian civilization that is moral, just and dignified,” he concluded, greeted by thunderous takbir and chants from the students: ‘Who are we? NU students! The Republic of Indonesia is fixed in price, Pancasila is victorious, Indonesia is independent, Darul Ma’arif is cool!’

After the address, the event continued with the reading of the Indonesian Santri Pledge and a joint prayer led by Asatidz representatives, asking for blessings for the nation and the progress of Islamic boarding schools throughout the archipelago. Loud applause resounded when the flag-bearing troops completed their task perfectly.

The atmosphere became even more lively when Pagar Nusa SMA and NU Kaplongan Middle School performed Islamic martial arts attractions that amazed all the participants. Young students from elementary schools also performed their prayers and chants with great joy, adding to the spirit of togetherness between educational units under the auspices of the Darul Ma’arif Foundation.
As the highlight of the event, the Chairman of the Trustees of the Darul Ma’arif Foundation, Father KH. Dedi Wahidi, together with the foundation’s top officials, handed over love and compensation to high-achieving students and underprivileged families.

Also present at the handover procession were Mrs. Hj. Kumayah (Foundation Treasurer), Mr. Tobroni, S.Pd., MSI, Bpk. Masrurih, M.Hum., Mrs. Laeliyah, Bpk. H. Asep Saepudin, Mrs. Rizky Maulidiah Anwar, ME, and Mr. Arsyad, as Chairman of the Darul Ma’arif Kaplongan Foundation.

The handover of this compensation is a symbol of the Islamic boarding school’s social concern for others and its commitment to fostering a spirit of independence and solidarity among the students. This commemoration of Santri Day is not only a ceremonial event, but also a momentum to strengthen national and Islamic commitment in the Islamic boarding school environment. All activities were carried out in an orderly, disciplined manner, and ended with a group photo session between the teacher council, caregivers, and all Mass Circumcision participants.

With the theme “Guarding Independent Indonesia, Towards World Civilization,” the spirit of National Santri Day 2025 at the Darul Ma’arif Kaplongan Islamic Boarding School is a reminder of the important role of santri in the history of the struggle for independence and nation building. The values ​​of sincerity, discipline and love of the country inherited from the ulama are the foundation for all students to continue to contribute to religion and the country.

Hopefully useful.