Kediri – Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Moeldoko said that pesantren had a big role needed by the nation to prevent the spread of radicalism to society. Moeldoko said that currently a comprehensive and collaborative education and character building system is needed with various parties, including Islamic boarding schools, to prevent the entry of radical ideas into the nation’s next generation.
“I believe that Islamic boarding schools are the center of gravity in character building,” said Moeldoko when he visited the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School, Kediri, East Java, Thursday (16/9/2021).
The former TNI Commander reminded that radicalism and intolerant attitudes are a real threat at this time that can damage the integration of the nation. The threat of radicalism, said Moeldoko, wants to paralyze the nation’s ideological strength and belief.
“Radical ideology has infiltrated society and educational institutions. We must be aware of this, because the movement is systematic and structured,” he said.
In addition to talking about radicalism, Moeldoko also invited the caregivers and students of the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School to be more active in preventing the spread of Covid-19. “I express my appreciation from President Joko Widodo, Islamic boarding schools have played an active role in suppressing Covid-19. I hope this condition is maintained, lest we come back again during the Enforcement of the Emergency Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM),” he said.
In addition to meeting with the caregivers of the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School this Thursday, Moeldoko was also a speaker at a national seminar at the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) Kediri with the theme “IAIN Kediri Towards a World Class University”.
Anang Fadhilah
