Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor centenary

Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor (PMDG) marked its centenary in September 2026 through various commemorative events in Jakarta and Ponorogo. Initial celebrations in Jakarta focused on the institution’s historical influence on Indonesia’s constitutional and legislative landscape. Deputy Speaker of the MPR Hidayat Nur Wahid noted that Gontor alumni have occupied prominent positions in legislative bodies from the MPRS era through the Reformasi period. The event emphasized the school’s theme of ‘One Hundred Years of Educating, Building Civilization,’ highlighting the integration of religious values with academic knowledge. Subsequent festivities in Ponorogo, held from September 18–20, 2026, included a grand reunion and thanksgiving reception. On September 19, President Prabowo Subianto attended the celebrations and inaugurated the Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Darussalam (Unida) Gontor. In his address, President Prabowo emphasized the necessity of high character, integrity, and honesty, warning against corruption and calling for leaders to be intelligent and critical thinkers. He also expressed support for Palestine, advocating for national strength and independence. He further stressed that character building must be paired with fundamental needs, such as nutrition, to ensure the younger generation can grow healthy and capable. During the ceremony, the President received a Mushaf Al Quran produced by Gontor students and a book titled ‘Gontor untuk Indonesia’ from the institution's leader, KH Hasan Abdullah Sahal. The reception hosted approximately 8,776 guests, including Indonesian ministers, regional leaders, and ambassadors from nations such as Egypt, Kuwait, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Turkey, and Japan. The program featured religious recitations, alumni reunions, and academic competitions. During the event, Mohamed Abdelrahman Eldeweny, the Deputy Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Egypt, spoke on the long-standing educational ties between Gontor and Egypt. Additionally, Gontor leader KH Hasan Abdullah Sahal noted that the institution had recently received an award for its tax compliance discipline.