Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, also known as Cak Imin, the Chairman of the Central Board of the National Awakening Party (PKB), recently attended the closing ceremony of the Fifth National Conference of the Alumni Association of Santri Lirboyo (Himasal) and the Second Ittihadul Mubalighin Aly Institute (LIM) at the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School in Kediri on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
During the event, Cak Imin expressed his pride in the significant role played by the alumni of Lirboyo, who have not only been students but have also been at the forefront of the struggle for Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah (Aswaja) Islam.
Addressing a crowd of scholars and thousands of Himasal members, the Minister Coordinator for Community Empowerment highlighted the stark wealth disparity in Indonesia, where the richest 50 individuals control 75 percent of the nation’s total assets, while 50 percent of the population have no assets and are increasingly impoverished.
This situation, as emphasized by President Prabowo Subianto, has led to a call for all ministers to focus their efforts on addressing these inequalities. Cak Imin stressed the importance of engaging all sectors of society in this endeavor, expressing confidence that alumni who have become religious leaders and entrepreneurs in various fields will continue to fulfill their responsibility to their country and people.
Under the leadership of KH. Abdullah Kafabihi Mahrus Ali, Cak Imin believes that Himasal will continue to play a vital role not only in producing knowledgeable students but also in nurturing individuals who will become agents of change, rather than victims of it.
Furthermore, Cak Imin encouraged all students and alumni to actively engage in spreading the message of Islam through social media platforms. He emphasized the significance of social media as an inevitable agent of change, noting the shifting trends from Instagram to TikTok and the diminishing relevance of Facebook compared to TikTok. He called upon Himasal to contribute to the dissemination of positive Islamic content to create a better society and earn the mercy of God.
The remarks made by Cak Imin underscore the pivotal role that educational institutions and alumni play in shaping the future of Indonesia, not just as followers but as leaders and influencers. As the nation grapples with economic disparities and social challenges, the call for unity, empowerment, and active participation resonates strongly across all sectors of society. Through collaboration and a shared commitment to progress, individuals can work towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Indonesians.
