By Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, LC., MEi
Imagine a future where advanced technology merges with the rich Islamic intellectual heritage. In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the world is changing rapidly, and the new generation of santri is no longer confined to the walls of pesantren. They now stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, facing the wave of technological changes that permeate every corner of life. But the question is: Are the santri ready to navigate this great current?
In the midst of the fast pace of the technological revolution, AI is not a threat that displaces human roles but rather a golden opportunity for santri to act as guardians of moral and ethical values in the digital age. Artificial intelligence can be an extraordinary tool to broaden the horizons of da’wah, accelerate access to religious knowledge, and transform the educational methods in pesantren. However, the challenges are no less significant: technological ethics, digital divides, and the need for new skills lie ahead.
This era is not just about technology but also about combining the wisdom of the past with the sophistication of the present. Santri are not merely challenged to survive—they are called to lead, to become architects of a new civilization. Are they ready to answer the challenges of the times and create synergy between spirituality and technology? Now is the time to redefine the role of santri in the AI era, with all its bright prospects and adrenaline-pumping challenges!
Santri in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) face both great opportunities and complex challenges. This technological development not only changes the societal order in general but also impacts the world of education, especially in pesantren, which serve as the centers of character development, religious knowledge, and critical thinking for Muslim generations. A deeper discussion of the prospects and challenges of santri in the AI era can be viewed from the following aspects:
- Prospects of Santri in the AI Era
a. Enhanced Access to Knowledge
In the AI era, both classical and contemporary religious literature can be easily accessed through digital platforms, including translations of the “yellow books” (classical Islamic texts), Quranic exegesis, and collections of hadith. AI’s Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology enables faster and more accurate analysis of religious texts. Santri can use digital applications or tools to search for keywords in books, assist in interpretation, and broaden their understanding of religious contexts. This fosters intellectual growth by providing wider access to sources of knowledge that might have been limited due to location constraints or the lack of physical references.
b. Broader and Innovative Da’wah Opportunities
AI opens opportunities for santri to expand their methods and reach in da’wah. With AI, santri can create more creative da’wah content, such as automated videos, da’wah chatbots, or other interactive content tailored to their audience’s characteristics. For instance, AI-powered social media platforms can help santri reach younger groups in a more engaging and relevant way. Additionally, AI algorithms can help target da’wah messages to specific community segments based on interests, locations, and spiritual needs.
c. Utilization of AI in Pesantren Education
AI can bring transformation to teaching methods in pesantren. AI-powered adaptive learning technology allows for more personalized teaching, tailored to individual learning needs. For example, santri excelling in language studies can be given more challenging materials, while those struggling in certain subjects will receive additional guidance. Thus, each santri can develop according to their own pace and potential.
d. Opportunities in the Workforce
The AI era brings about significant transformations in the workforce. Although some jobs may be replaced by automation, santri with religious knowledge and technological skills will be in high demand. They can serve as Shariah consultants in tech-based companies, develop AI solutions grounded in Islamic values, or be part of the development of Shariah fintech. The ability to innovate with AI in various sectors, such as Islamic finance, education, healthcare, and social services, presents significant opportunities for santri to become leaders in the Industry 4.0 era.
- Challenges for Santri in the AI Era
a. Technological Gaps
Not all pesantren have the infrastructure to support AI technology adoption. Many pesantren, especially those in remote areas, still rely on traditional methods and have limited access to the internet or digital technology. This creates a digital divide that could exacerbate inequalities in the quality of santri education across regions. Strengthening technological infrastructure in these pesantren should be a priority to address the digital divide challenge.
b. Ethical Challenges and Shariah Understanding
One of the major challenges in the AI era is ethics. AI technology presents issues related to privacy, data security, and automated decision-making that could conflict with Shariah principles. For example, the use of AI in managing personal data can violate privacy, which is highly regarded in Islam. Furthermore, AI technology used in business sectors, such as in loan or investment algorithms, must be ensured to comply with Islamic finance principles. Therefore, santri need to have a deep understanding of AI ethics and Shariah principles in applying this technology.
c. Changes in the Workforce and New Skills
The changes brought by AI in the workforce demand new skills that santri must possess. Manual jobs that were once available may be replaced by automation, so santri need to equip themselves with digital skills and technological understanding to remain relevant. Pesantren should begin integrating curricula that include 21st-century skills, such as basic programming, digital literacy, critical thinking, and technological innovation, in addition to religious knowledge.
d. Potential Dehumanization in Education
Although AI can bring efficiency to the learning process, there is a risk that excessive AI use could reduce the human aspect of education. In pesantren, the relationship between teacher and student (kiai and santri) is crucial in shaping the character and morals of the santri. There is concern that dependence on AI could diminish the personal interaction that is central to traditional Islamic education. Pesantren must find a balance between using technology and maintaining the warmth of the teacher-student relationship.
- Strategic Steps to Face Challenges
To optimize prospects and address emerging challenges, pesantren and santri need to take strategic steps:
a. Enhancing Digital Literacy: Pesantren should teach strong digital literacy to santri so they can understand, master, and wisely utilize AI technology in accordance with Islamic values.
b. Collaborating with the Tech World: Pesantren can collaborate with educational technology institutions or tech companies to design relevant curricula and provide technological training access for santri.
c. Strengthening Islamic Ethics in Technology: Education on ethics and Shariah principles in the use of AI should be a crucial part of the pesantren curriculum. Santri need to be equipped with an understanding of how technology can be used in a Shariah-compliant manner.
d. Equipping with 21st-Century Skills: Pesantren should prepare santri with skills relevant to the demands of the times, such as critical thinking, innovation, and adaptability to change, without neglecting the religious education that forms the foundation.
Conclusion
Santri in the AI era have great opportunities to play an essential role in various sectors of society, from da’wah to technological innovation. However, they also face significant challenges related to technological gaps, ethics, and changes in the workforce. With the right approach, pesantren can serve as educational centers that not only preserve tradition but also prepare santri to face the ever-evolving technological era while remaining grounded in Islamic values.
In the midst of the rapid changes brought by artificial intelligence, santri have an extraordinary opportunity to adapt and take strategic roles in shaping the future. AI is not just about technological innovation, but also about how the noble values of Islam can illuminate a new path in human civilization. By utilizing AI as a tool to strengthen knowledge and da’wah, santri can be the main drivers in creating harmony between technology and spirituality.
However, these opportunities do not come without challenges. Pesantren education must continue to transform, integrating technological learning without sacrificing the primacy of morals and etiquette. The ethical challenges, the technological divide…
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