Academics’ Reflections on the 79th Anniversary of Sheikh Panji Gumilang: Creating an Eternal Indonesia Through Education
By: Dr. Ali Aminulloh, S.Ag, M.Pd.I, M.E
(Chairman of the Dormitory Control Board & Lecturer at IAI Al Zaytun Indonesia)
Celebrating Diversity in Indonesia Mini Al-Zaytun
Wednesday, July 30, 2025, marked a meaningful historic moment. At the age of 79, Sheikh Al-Zaytun, Abdussalam Rasyidi Panji Gumilang, did not celebrate his 79th birthday with extravagant celebrations, but rather with a reflection forum entitled “A Joint Discussion as a Manifestation of Sheikh AS Panji Gumilang’s 79th Anniversary Prayer.”
The event was attended by various groups, from educational figures and interfaith figures, journalists, to academics.
In this warm gathering, Prof. Dr. H. Sanusi Uwés, M.Pd., Professor of Islamic Education at UIN Sunan Gunung Jati, Bandung, opened his remarks with profound praise. He felt that the Al-Zaytun Islamic Boarding School was a reflection of “Mini Indonesia,” a meeting place for various ethnicities, religions, and cultures. “From Aceh to Irian, I see this represented here,” he said. He hoped that the permanence of Indonesia would stem from the permanence of the mission and vision of Al-Zaytun. With 4,500 students, 1,500 of whom are high school graduates, he encouraged Al-Zaytun not to stop at being just an Islamic boarding school, but to boldly go beyond.
Educational Vision and National Resilience:
A Military Analysis
Brigadier General (Ret.) Dr. Harangan Sitorus, a lecturer and practitioner of strategic education, was also present and shared his views. As a retired military officer, his presence felt unique and special. He reflected on the Shaykh’s profound thinking, which began with education and developed into a revolutionary educational strategy. Harangan Sitorus explained that education has three stages: family education, environmental education, and formal education. He emphasized the mother’s role as the primary educator in the family, which aligns with the Sheikh’s statement.
As a military man, Harangan Sitorus also saw the Sheikh’s 79th birthday as a moment to reflect on the nation’s strategic environment.
He highlighted global issues such as the Cambodian War, the Russia-Ukraine War, and the Israel-Palestine War, and compared them to Indonesia, which is able to unite diverse differences.
He called it the true Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) with Non-Negotiable Values. According to him, Indonesia is a country blessed by God, a “crossroads of all world problems” yet remains firmly united under the umbrella of Pancasila and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).
Harangan Sitorus also highlighted the social irony in which places that corrupt morals are allowed to exist, while places of worship are raided, a phenomenon that indicates that strategic environmental education has not yet taken root.
Criticism, Innovation, and a Boundless Vision
Constructive criticism also came from Dr. Ir. Edison Nababan, M.Sc., a critical-thinking academic chemist, admitted that he initially doubted the Sheikh due to the label “heretic” circulating around him. However, as a researcher, he chose to think critically and observe for himself. “A million pieces of advice and sermons cannot outweigh one good deed,” he asserted, praising the construction of the Al-Zaytun Mosque as evidence of a concrete action.
Edison also explained his life philosophy on the importance of “getting out of the river” when swimming against the current. He offered collaboration to make Al-Zaytun a center of science, ranging from fuel-free electricity technology to agricultural methods. He also introduced the philosophical concepts he learned from the Sheikh: “know yourself, be confident, and sell yourself,” as well as “empathy, telepathy, and sympathy,” as the keys to success.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmad Sudirman Abbas, a lecturer at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, offered a profound spiritual perspective. He views the number 79, the Sheikh’s current age, as a special blessing. He associated this number with door number 79 in the Grand Mosque, Babul Fahd, which serves as a link between the inner and outer worlds.
He also quoted a Quranic verse (Al-Isra verse 79) that means “Maqomman Mahmuddah,” a high status that deserves gratitude.
Not to be missed, Prof. Dr. Jimmy Milton Robert Lumintang, M.Th., Rector of the Theological College of the Jakarta Institute of Al-Kitab and Theology, who had been invited to share blessings on his campus, extended his birthday wishes to Sheikh Panji Gumilang.
He asked to stand and personally congratulated him, a gesture of friendship that transcends religious boundaries.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Ciek Juliati Hasyam, Professor at Jakarta State University and expert in the Sociology of Education, viewed Sheikh Panji Gumilang as a tireless figure who upholds the nation’s character.
She expressed pride that at 79, Sheikh Gumilang remains an inspiration. He regrets that Al-Zaytun still has a negative label, even though it already contains extraordinary character education, stemming from the simple yet profound upbringing of the Sheikh’s mother.
Prof. Ciek also brought good news regarding the Sheikh’s proposed polytechnic, which the Directorate General of Higher Education (Dikti) has given the green light for its establishment, news that aligns with the Sheikh’s aspirations to continue developing education.
Epilogue: The Path to Eternity Woven Together
Amidst the discussions among campus figures, a common thread was woven connecting the thoughts of Sheikh Panji Gumilang with the views of academics. Through the lens of a Professor of Islamic Education, a Professor of Sociology, an innovative researcher, a spiritual UIN lecturer, and a retired military officer, the Sheikh’s educational vision is not merely a theory, but a solid strategy, rooted in a profound philosophy of life.
From a simple lesson about “warung” to the concept of “Empathy, Telepathy, Sympathy,” each of Sheikh’s thoughts is proof that major change begins with small things, with an awareness of one’s identity, and with the courage to take action.
His story, which continues to flow and inspire even into his twilight years, is a reminder to us all that titles and positions are merely attributes, while true immortality lies in fruitful ideas and tireless struggle. The idea of 500 dormitories, polytechnics, and research centers is a promise for the future, an investment in the soul that will shape leaders who are not only intellectually brilliant but also rich in empathy and compassion.
Ultimately, the reflections of these academics touch the deepest core of humanity: each of us has the potential to be a pioneer of change. The question remains: will we dare to ignite the fire within ourselves, align with those around us, and fight together to realize our collective dream: an Indonesia that is not only glorious but also eternal in glory? (*)
Indramayu, August 4, 2025
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