Overview

This country is home to educational institutions with a long and storied history. For centuries, they have weathered countless events and embraced change after change. These institutions are rooted in religious tradition, yet closely tied to local culture with its diverse customs and heritage. They have always engaged in dialogue with their surroundings and have become part of global civilization. One such institution is the *Pondok Pesantren*, the popular name for this type of school. Guided by the principle, “Preserve good traditions and adopt better innovations,” pesantrens continue to live, grow, and serve their communities. It is no surprise that along their journey, pesantrens remain strong in tradition while constantly innovating. Nor is it surprising that they have become woven into many aspects of life—spanning religion, the arts, social affairs, and even nation-building.