Vice President Gibran endorses tech skills for Indonesian santris

 Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka urged students at Islamic boarding schools, locally known as santris, to pursue religious and academic studies while keeping pace with rapid technological change, saying digital skills are essential for national development.

Speaking during a visit to Amanatul Ummah Islamic Boarding School in Mojokerto, East Java, on Tuesday, Gibran said the students must grow into religious leaders capable of contributing meaningfully to Indonesia’s progress.

In a statement released in Jakarta on Wednesday, Gibran said Islamic boarding schools play a strategic role in developing high-quality human resources grounded in spiritual values and adaptable to technological change.

He stressed that mastering technology is critical for santris to navigate Indonesia’s digital transformation and remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

“I believe santris can recite the Quran well and uphold strong morals, but they must also master skills needed to meet evolving challenges,” Gibran said.

The vice president encouraged students to gain exposure to advanced technologies and said the government plans to deploy teachers specializing in artificial intelligence, coding and robotics to support digital learning.

He pledged to return to the Mojokerto school with teaching staff and assured administrators that the technology programs would be provided free of charge to students.

While promoting innovation, Gibran cautioned santris to use technology responsibly, urging them to filter information carefully and engage with digital platforms in a prudent manner.

He also called on the Mojokerto district government to work closely with the central administration to ensure effective implementation of President Prabowo Subianto’s priority education and human resource development programs.