By: Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, Lc., MEI
Politics should fundamentally be a form of public service aimed at realizing justice, prosperity, and the common good. However, when politics becomes more concerned with the struggle for power than with serving the public, the nation faces a serious moral crisis. In such circumstances, the commemoration of National Santri Day becomes an important opportunity to reaffirm the role of santri as guardians of Islamic values, national identity, and humanity.
Santri are not merely associated with traditional sarongs, caps, classical Islamic texts, and life in Islamic boarding schools known as pesantren. More importantly, they represent an intellectual and spiritual tradition that cultivates honesty, simplicity, discipline, and responsibility. These values should serve as the foundation for building a dignified political culture. When political practices are tainted by money politics, abuse of power, information manipulation, and hostility between groups, santri have a moral responsibility to remind society that power is not an ultimate goal but a trust for which those who hold it must be held accountable.
From an Islamic perspective, leadership is a trust that demands justice and a commitment to the interests of society. The Qur’an, in Surah An-Nisa (4:58), commands believers to return trusts to those entitled to them and to judge fairly. This principle emphasizes that political success should not be measured solely by victory in the struggle for power, but also by the integrity of leaders and the benefits their policies bring to the people.
Therefore, santri must serve as the nation’s moral compass without falling into the trap of political fanaticism. They may participate in politics, but they must preserve their ideals, intellectual independence, and commitment to truth. Supporting a particular political figure or party should never undermine their courage to criticize injustice. Their highest loyalty must remain with truth, justice, unity, and the common good of the nation.
Pesantren must also strengthen political education grounded in ethics, digital literacy, and constitutional awareness. With these essential capabilities, santri can help counter misinformation, reduce polarization, foster constructive dialogue, and encourage public policies that serve the needs of disadvantaged communities. The scholarly tradition of pesantren must go hand in hand with an understanding of contemporary developments.
Ultimately, the nation needs not only intelligent politicians but also leaders of strong moral character. When politics loses its direction, santri must emerge as the nation’s moral compass—not to dominate the corridors of power, but to ensure that power remains firmly on the path of justice. True santri do not merely safeguard religion within pesantren; they also safeguard the conscience of the nation in public life.