Kerajaan akan bantu martabat institusi pondok

Perdana Menteri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized during the National Ulama Islamic Heritage and National Culture Congress and the 2026 Islamic Heritage Festival that the government will assist in enhancing and honoring the status of pondok institutions. These include physical facilities, academic discipline, and introducing new fields of study relevant to current needs.

The PM stated that the first step is to select a few pondok institutions to lead the new tradition based on specialization and respective guidelines or discipline. He emphasized that this is the first time the government is providing support since independence in 1957. Anwar stressed that he will not determine the curriculum of the pondok institutions, as it is not his domain.

He merely proposes efforts to elevate the prestige and standing of these institutions, including new knowledge and discipline, such as artificial intelligence (AI). Anwar highlighted that AI is a crucial weapon in preaching and the resurgence of Islam but must be taught with ethical and moral systems; otherwise, it could become a significant problem and enemy to the Muslim community.

Anwar noted that the efforts to strengthen pondok institutions must consider the diversity of educational paths learners follow, and it is not necessary for all institutions to produce ulama. He clarified that not every pondok needs to generate all religious scholars; some may specialize in other fields like engineering, aviation, or TVET.

Anwar believes that regardless of their chosen field, they should have a solid foundation in religion and Islam. He also agreed that while not all pondok graduates need to go to university, it is essential for a segment of them to continue their education there, as they can contribute to the public education system.