SANTRI EN – The Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenag RI) and Unilever Indonesia strengthen their commitment to empowering the younger generation through “Healthy Green Empowered Islamic Boarding School“. This program targets two million male and female students (santri) across Indonesia to gain access to education and intervention in the fields of health, nutrition, and environmental management.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kemenag RI and Unilever Indonesia took place at the Asshiddiqiyah Islamic Boarding School in Jakarta.
It was witnessed by the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, KH. Saiful Rahmat Dasuki, S.IP., M.Si., the Director of Zakat and Waqf Empowerment of Kemenag RI, the Acting Director of Diniyah Education and Islamic Boarding Schools of Kemenag RI, Independent Commissioners and Board of Directors of Unilever Indonesia, the Caretaker of Asshiddiqiyah Islamic Boarding School, and more than 1,200 male and female students.
“Islamic boarding schools play a vital role in shaping the character and morals of the younger generation, and this program is one of our efforts to strengthen that role,” said KH. Saiful Rahmat Dasuki. “We appreciate Unilever Indonesia’s commitment to supporting this program and hope that this collaboration can provide significant benefits for male and female students throughout Indonesia.”
Healthy green empowered islamic boarding school is a continuation of a program that has been running since 2020. Since then, the program has benefited more than two thousand Islamic boarding schools and over one million male and female students in 154 cities/districts.
“In 2024, we aim to expand the benefits of this program to reach two million male and female students across Indonesia,” said Nurdiana Darus, Director and Corporate Secretary of Unilever Indonesia. “We believe that this program can help create a future generation that is healthier, more environmentally conscious, and empowered.”
The Program Healthy Green Empowered Islamic Boarding School Focuses
1. Cleanliness and Health: The Santri Berseri program, which includes education on oral and dental health, handwashing with soap, personal hygiene, facial skin, scalp, and hair care.
2. Nutrition: The Royco Nutrimenu Pesantren program, providing education on balanced nutrition and inspiration for nutritious recipes using Royco Nutrimenu.
3. Environmental Management: The Green Pesantren program, which aims to create a green and sustainable Islamic boarding school environment through waste management and water management.
“This program not only provides education to male and female students but also involves the entire Islamic boarding school community,” said Nurdiana. “We believe that by involving all parties, this program can achieve maximum results.”
The Healthy Green Empowered Islamic Boarding School is supported by Unilever Indonesia brands such as Lifebuoy, Pepsodent, Royco, Citra, Sunsilk, Clear, Glow & Lovely, Pond’s Men, Rexona, and Wall’s.
In addition to the signing of the MoU, the program’s inauguration event also involved activities such as:
- Health checks and consultations
- Oral and dental checks
- Various educational activities related to personal care and balanced nutrition
The Healthy Green Empowered Islamic Boarding School is a manifestation of Unilever Indonesia’s commitment to contributing to national development. By empowering the younger generation, Unilever Indonesia hopes to help create a brighter future for Indonesia.
The Healthy Green Empowered Islamic Boarding School is expected to strengthen the role of Islamic boarding schools in building a young generation that is healthy, environmentally conscious, and empowered. Islamic boarding schools, with more than 28,000 in number across Indonesia, have enormous potential to become agents of change in various fields.
“This program is in line with the vision and mission of Kemenag RI to make Islamic boarding schools a center for education and development of the superior young generation,” said KH. Saiful Rahmat Dasuki. “We hope that this program can help Islamic boarding schools improve the quality of education and services for male and female students.”
The Healthy Green Empowered Islamic Boarding School is also expected to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indonesia. The SDGs are sustainable development goals set by the UN, which cover various aspects such as health, education, and the environment.
Expanding the Impact Healthy Green Empowered Islamic Boarding School
The Healthy Green Empowered Islamic Boarding School has proven to be a resounding success in Indonesia. With its target of empowering two million santri with health and environmental knowledge, the program has already reached countless lives and instilled positive change within these communities.
However, the potential for impact doesn’t stop at national borders. Here’s how the program can be expanded globally:
1. Replicating the Model in Other Muslim-Majority Countries
Islamic boarding schools, known by various names like madrasas or pondok pesantren, exist across the globe in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Egypt. Adapting the Healthy Green Empowered Islamic Boarding School model to these regions with cultural and contextual nuances can empower millions more young Muslims and contribute to their holistic development.
2. Partnering with International Organizations
Collaborating with international organizations like UNICEF, WHO, or UNESCO can leverage their expertise, resources, and global reach to implement the program on a larger scale. This could involve joint training programs, curriculum development, and knowledge sharing across different countries.
3. Utilizing Digital Platforms
Technology can play a crucial role in expanding the program’s reach and accessibility. Developing online learning modules, mobile applications, and interactive platforms can provide information and resources to santri in remote areas or countries where physical implementation might be challenging.
4. Encouraging Knowledge Exchange
Fostering knowledge exchange between santri in different countries through virtual conferences, workshops, or exchange programs can create a global network of young leaders who are passionate about health and environmental issues.
5. Building a Global Advocacy Movement
Utilizing the collective voice of empowered santri can create a global movement advocating for better healthcare access, environmental sustainability, and educational opportunities within Muslim communities worldwide.
By implementing these strategies, the Healthy Green Empowered Islamic Boarding School can transcend national boundaries and empower young Muslims across the globe, fostering a generation of responsible citizens who contribute positively to their communities and the world.
The potential of the Healthy Green Empowered Islamic Boarding School to create a positive ripple effect globally is undeniable. By taking the initiative and collaborating with international partners, this program can empower millions more young Muslims and contribute to a brighter future for all.
