The inclusion of astronomy in the curriculum of pesantrens can bring several positive impacts to their development. I assume there are four benefits to teaching astronomy in these pesantrens.
Enhancing the Pesantren’s Image
Schools, including pesantrens, rely on student enrollment. Various efforts are constantly made to attract potential students (or santri). Teaching astronomy can become a distinctive feature, a unique brand for pesantrens that adopt it. The rarity of astronomy education in pesantrens can make it an iconic subject for those that choose to incorporate it. Moreover, practical observation of celestial objects during lessons can be intriguing for prospective santri.
Contributing to Astronomy Olympiads
Pesantrens and Modern boarding schools usually follow the government curriculum. Surprisingly, this curriculum lacks astronomy, despite astronomy Olympiads being held, starting from junior levels. By introducing astronomy education, pesantrens and modern boarding schools can become contributors to astronomy Olympiads. Santri and Students studying astronomy will be better prepared to participate, and the pesantrens can actively select candidates to represent them in these competitions.
Uniting Science and Islam