Al-Zaytun Sowing the STEM Generation Towards a Golden Indonesia 2045
INDRAMAYU-JAYA NEWS.COM – Sunday Mornings That Ignite the Spirit of Learning
Since June 1, 2025, Al-Zaytun has consistently held training sessions for students every Sunday morning. The public lecture on Sunday, September 28, 2025, was in its 17th session. That morning, the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Al-Zaytun Mosque was filled with more than 2,700 participants: representatives from the foundation, lecturers, teachers, students, Madrasah Aliyah students, educational support units, and parents of students.
The academic atmosphere was lively. Participants were not simply invited to listen to lectures; they were also invited to observe, ask questions, and discuss major ideas about the future of education.
STEM as a Pillar of National Progress
This speaker, Prof. Dr. Jarnuzi Gunlazuardi, S.Si., Professor of Chemistry at the University of Indonesia, broadened the participants’ understanding of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), which has now evolved into STEAM with the addition of Law and Art.
According to Prof. Jarnuzi, a nation that masters STEM will be at the forefront of innovation. From the Industrial Revolution 1.0 to the Society 5.0 era, science and technology have always been the driving force of progress.
He emphasized that education should not be fragmented; students need to be encouraged to integrate knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into real-world experiences.
Al-Zaytun Best Practice: From Theory to Action
Professor Jarnuzi cited Al-Zaytun as an example of best practice. Its green environment, adequate facilities, and dormitory system that supports research-based learning provide significant opportunities for students.
He gave the example of a simple project: an automatic irrigation system based on soil moisture sensors. From there, students learned about the water cycle (science), sensors and controllers (technology), layout design (engineering), and calculating water volume (mathematics). This model can be implemented anywhere, including in remote, underdeveloped, and underdeveloped regions (3T), by leveraging local potential.
Cultivating 21st-Century Skills
This public lecture emphasizes active learning—not just absorbing facts. Students are encouraged to think critically, creatively, collaboratively, and develop digital literacy.
Prof. Jarnuzi reminded:
“Children who ask questions are a sign of future scientists. Don’t stifle their questions. Foster their curiosity.”
He also emphasized the importance of the government and educational institutions’ courage in implementing an integrative curriculum from elementary school through university to produce superior human resources ready to capitalize on Indonesia’s demographic dividend.
Inspirational Epilogue: “From Al-Zaytun for a Golden Indonesia”
The Sunday public lecture at Al-Zaytun is not just a routine, but an investment in the nation’s future. With a contextual, inclusive, and future-oriented STEM approach, Al-Zaytun is preparing a young generation that is not only learners but also innovators.
If this pattern spreads throughout Indonesia, the dream of a Golden Indonesia 2045 will no longer be a slogan, but a reality.
As Prof. Jarnuzi stated, a nation that masters STEM will master the future. And Al-Zaytun has taken concrete steps in that direction.**
Dr. Ali Aminulloh, M.Pd.I. ME
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