Nasaruddin Umar calls for religious education to adapt to AI and strengthen pesantren

Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar has emphasized the need for religious education and preaching to adapt to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Speaking at the 5th ASEAN-China Confucianism Summit, Umar noted that religious strategies must transform to remain contextual and adaptive to digital media and modern lifestyles to prevent confusion among believers.

In a separate address at the Al Yasini Integrated Islamic Boarding School in East Java, Umar highlighted the importance of strengthening the quality of pesantren (Islamic boarding schools). He noted that the unique strength of pesantren lies in combining intellectual mastery with spiritual depth through methods such as intuition, contemplation, and soul purification.

To support this ecosystem, Umar expressed hope that the establishment of a Directorate General for Pesantren would enhance government support for the dignity, independence, and community empowerment of these institutions.