Carving Future Harmony: Holistic Arts Education at Al-Zaytun Towards Golden Indonesia 2045
INDRAMAYU-JAYA NEWS COM – The spirit of educational transformation echoed at Mahad Al-Zaytun on Sunday morning, June 8, 2025, in the second session of the Continuous Educator Training.
Dr. Ali Aminulloh, S.Ag., M.Pd.I., ME, as the representative of the organizing committee, began the event with a warm opening pantun, welcoming the “education warriors” amidst the dynamics of the times that demand that education not only follow change, but also lead the direction of the transformation itself.
“This event is a strategic momentum to reformulate the direction and approach of national education in order to realize a modern and characterful Indonesia in the 21st century, welcoming a century of independence.
The main focus of this training is “Holistic Arts Education in the Digital Era: Curriculum Strategy to Realize the Vision of Golden Indonesia 2045,” he said.
Present at this inspiring event, Syaykh Al-Zaytun and education practitioners listened to the visionary presentation by Prof. Dr. Triyono Bramantyo, M.Mus.Ed., Ph.D., an expert in Musicology, Education, and Aesthetics.
Professor Triyono opened his presentation with a flashback of his study experience in Japan, a country that taught him many valuable lessons about discipline and social concern, as well as the spirit of “Bushido” in learning that never gives up. He contrasted it with the limitations of education in his childhood in Indonesia. However, with the LPDP and BIP scholarships from the Indonesian government, he is optimistic that Al-Zaytun students have a golden opportunity to study abroad, supported by a one-pipe system that will significantly improve their language skills.
Professor Triyono emphasized the urgency of making art, especially music, an integral part of the core curriculum of education, not just an extracurricular activity.
“Japan, which since 1889 has implemented music as a core curriculum from elementary school to high school, and I witnessed myself, how elementary school children there are proficient in playing orchestral instruments,” quoted Prof. Triyono.
According to him, this is crucial to balance the left and right brain, as well as to fundamentally shape children’s character. His idea of ”Holistic Arts Education in the Digital Era” aims to utilize digital technology positively for the development of students’ identities, not to have a negative impact on their mentality.
“I imagine, Al-Zaytun can have its own Symphony Orchestra, which for him is a symbol of unification, togetherness, and communication, similar to how various musical instruments come together to create beautiful harmony,” he hoped.
Continuing Professor Triyono’s presentation, Syaykh Al-Zaytun emphasized the importance of an L-STEAM (Law, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)-based curriculum as a foundation for the formation of national character. He emphasized that law must be the backbone that instills ethical and moral awareness from an early age, not only as knowledge, but as a soul in every aspect of life.
“Thus, education will not only produce individuals who are academically intelligent or technically skilled, but also individuals who are honest, civilized, and have integrity,” added the Shaykh.
Shaykh Al-Zaytun also highlighted the importance of “haddam bana” – completely dismantling and rebuilding the education system from the roots, if we want to see real revolutionary transformation. This philosophy is a call to abandon old ways that may no longer be relevant and dare to create a progressive and globally competitive education model, as has proven successful in Al-Zaytun.
“This great ideal must be spread throughout the country, and open up a space for discussion from participants so that ideas can be collected as provisions together in going further,” said the Shaykh.
If we want a better Indonesia in 2045, we must start now. By building from the small, arranging from the simple, and illuminating from the closest. Because big changes always start from small but consistent awareness.
Ali Aminulloh
—
