Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) hosted a seminar titled “Transforming NU Education Towards a Golden Indonesia for the Benefit of the Ummah” on Thursday (February 13). This strategic initiative aimed to map out the future direction of education within Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in response to the challenges of the digital era.
UNISMA’s Rector, Prof. Drs. H. Junaidi, M.Pd., Ph.D., emphasized the need for education to adapt to technological advancements. “Only by mastering technology can we prevent it from overwhelming us. We must be active participants in technological progress and harness it for educational development,” he stated.
He also underscored the importance of upholding NU’s noble values, rooted in Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah, in educational advancements. Ainun Naim, Chairman of PBNU’s Education Institute, stressed that tolerance, peace, and humility in developing science and technology can lead to greater benefits.
The seminar featured Prof. Dr. Ainun Naim, Ph.D., Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama’s Higher Education Institute (LPTNU), as the keynote speaker. He discussed LPTNU’s role in preparing globally competitive human resources for the benefit of the ummah. He highlighted UNISMA’s contributions in realizing the tagline: “UNISMA, from NU for Indonesia and World Civilization.”
“This is an extraordinary achievement, especially amid growing concerns over technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI),” he remarked.
Prof. Ainun acknowledged the challenges posed by AI, which can sometimes create confusion, much like Google Maps leading to dead-end roads. However, he emphasized that technology holds immense potential when utilized wisely, with positive policies that serve the greater good.
Meanwhile, Prof. Ali Ramdhani, Chairman of LP Maarif NU, represented by Drs. H. Haryanto, M.A., discussed the transformation of primary and secondary education in the face of globalization. He stressed that the key to a Golden Indonesia lies in fostering strong character and noble ethics (akhlaqul karimah).
“Character must be a priority in NU education because education without character will only produce a generation that lacks direction,” he asserted. He further noted that education grounded in Islamic values of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah remains a fundamental challenge for PBNU’s educational institutions.
This seminar reflects UNISMA’s commitment to actively shaping education that is both relevant to contemporary needs and firmly rooted in NU’s core values. By addressing these pressing issues, the event served as a vital platform for educators to deepen their understanding of how NU-based education can remain competitive on a global scale while upholding moral and religious values.
