By: Dr. Ali Aminulloh
Indonesia’s future is not always discussed solely within government halls. On Thursday, August 27, 2026, that future was embodied by the thousands of students filling the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Grand Prayer Hall. It is upon their shoulders that hopes for a “Golden Indonesia 2045” are being placed, prepared, and nurtured through education.
That day, Al-Zaytun celebrated its 27th anniversary. A host of figures—including academics, professors, interfaith leaders, parents, and guests from various regions—attended to enliven the event. Amidst the joyous atmosphere, Haji Rasiwan conveyed a message from the Indramayu Regency Government regarding the importance of investing in education for the nation’s future.
The Head of the People’s Welfare Division of the Indramayu Regency Regional Secretariat attended on behalf of the Regent of Indramayu, Lucky Hakim, who was unable to attend due to official duties.
Through Rasiwan, the Regent extended warm and respectful greetings to Syaykh Abdussalam Rasyidi Panji Gumilang and the entire Al-Zaytun community. He expressed hope that Al-Zaytun would continue to uphold the spirit of togetherness, strengthen unity, and make significant contributions to the intellectual advancement of the nation, particularly within Indramayu Regency.
“This 27th-anniversary milestone is expected to propel Al-Zaytun toward further progress and bring widespread benefit to the community,” said Rasiwan.
Twenty-seven years is no short journey. For nearly three decades, Al-Zaytun has grown, created, and played a role in shaping a generation that is intelligent, independent, and of strong character.
This milestone stands as proof that great aspirations are not built overnight; they require perseverance, courage, consistency, and a willingness to keep learning from the journey itself. Rasiwan then highlighted the theme of Al-Zaytun’s 27th anniversary: welcoming Indonesia’s centennial of independence by scaling up investment in quality education. In his view, this theme is not merely a collection of fine words, but a commitment and a long-term plan leading toward “Golden Indonesia 2045.”
As Indonesia reaches its centennial, the nation will face a demographic bonus. A large working-age population can be a tremendous asset; however, that opportunity does not automatically translate into progress.
The demographic bonus will only become a blessing if the Indonesian people are prepared through quality education. Without adequate knowledge, skills, character, and opportunities, this bonus could instead turn into a social problem.
“The key to unlocking that potential is nothing less than massive investment in the quality education sector,” Rasiwan emphasized.
However, investment in education should not be defined merely by the construction of grand buildings or the provision of cutting-edge technology. While buildings and facilities are important, they are merely tools.
True investment lies in building a learning ecosystem that touches upon every dimension of human life. Education must develop intelligence, shape character, instill moral values, foster a strong work ethic, and accustom students to living in tolerance and peace.
At the same time, the younger generation must be equipped with mastery of science, technology, and vocational skills. They must be able to adapt to a changing world without losing their identity as Indonesians.
In Rasiwan’s view, the integrated education system developed by Al-Zaytun represents an effort to realize such an ecosystem. Education does not stop at the classroom door; it extends to social life, economic self-reliance, food security, technological mastery, and the formation of lifestyle habits.
This is where the relationship between Al-Zaytun and the Indramayu Regency Government takes on strategic significance. The local government recognizes that the responsibility of intellectually empowering the nation’s generation cannot be borne alone.
Educational institutions, families, the community, the business sector, and the government must move forward together. Each element plays a role that is irreplaceable yet mutually reinforcing.
“The presence of Ma’had Al-Zaytun serves as a strategic partner to the local government,” stated Rasiwan.
This partnership is essential to drive an educational transformation that extends beyond the classroom. Education must be integrated into the fabric of community life, fostering economic self-reliance, strengthening food security, advancing technology, and cultivating a harmonious social environment.
Therefore, Rasiwan urged the entire Al-Zaytun academic community to continuously improve the quality of instruction, expand access to education, and enhance the global competencies of the students.
The challenge lies in preparing a generation capable of competing on the global stage without losing their national roots. They need to understand global developments while remaining committed to Indonesia. They must master technology while upholding morality. They need the courage to innovate while maintaining a sense of care for others.
A heartfelt message was then addressed directly to the *santri* (students).
“My dear santri, whom I am so proud of, you are the face of Indonesia’s future,” he said.
Those words were not merely praise; they represented the handing over of responsibility. The year 2045 may still seem distant, yet the generation that will lead Indonesia at that time is sitting in classrooms today.
It is upon the shoulders of these *santri* that the nation’s great aspirations will be carried forward. Therefore, every learning opportunity must be utilized to the fullest. Knowledge must be absorbed, creativity honed, love for the homeland nurtured, and tolerance made a way of life.
“One day, you must become leaders who bring about the greater good for Indonesia,” Rasiwan advised.
Future leaders are not necessarily those who speak the loudest. Leaders emerge from individuals who are diligent in learning, brave enough to take responsibility, capable of collaboration, and able to use their knowledge to benefit others.
Al-Zaytun’s 27th-anniversary commemoration ultimately became a meeting point between the journey of the past and the hopes for the future. Twenty-seven years of service serve as the foundation, while the centenary of Indonesia’s independence marks the direction toward which the institution strives.
From Indramayu, Al-Zaytun continues to play a role in preparing Indonesia’s next generation. Local governments and educational institutions are called upon to work in synergy, for national progress cannot be achieved in isolation.
Haji Rasiwan’s message remains clear: the greatest investment is not what is planted in the soil or built into physical structures, but rather the knowledge, character, creativity, and love for the homeland instilled within individuals.
For within today’s classrooms, the Indonesia of 2045 is being prepared. That future is reading, thinking, practicing, and growing among the santri of Al-Zaytun.
Indramayu, September 1, 2026
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