I am deeply grateful to be involved in and learn from both of these Islamic educational institutions in South Tangerang. Not only teachers but also students are encouraged to be productive in their writing endeavors.
The commitment to fostering a culture of reading, writing, and creativity among students is evidenced by the annual Scientific Writing Session (KTI) held for final-year students. KTI is a graduation requirement and is completed over one semester with assigned mentors. The week of the KTI session is an exhilarating time for students, as their work will be evaluated by an examination panel.
To create an enjoyable reading atmosphere, both pesantren have implemented a Self-Literacy Program. This initiative allocates specific time for students to read any books of their choice, whether fiction or non-fiction. Darus-Sunnah sets aside two 15-minute sessions weekly before classes, while Daarut Tauhiid provides 90 minutes every Friday before the first lesson.
Participation in this program is mandatory, encouraging students to develop a habit of enjoying reading. The process of comprehension, reflection, and imagination transforms reading into a delightful activity. Outside of these times, students are still free to read and borrow books from the library, which they can take back to the dormitory and enjoy during their free time.
Ultimately, I earnestly hope to encourage everyone, particularly teachers and students, to be productive in writing and creativity. Even the smallest acts of goodness we achieve through writing will undoubtedly yield significant benefits and contributions.
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* HR. Bukhari, Abu Daud, and Tirmidzi
** Zein bin Ibrahim bin Smith, al-Manhaj as-Sawy, Dar al-Ilm wa al-Da’wah, Tarim, Hadhramaut, p. 122
*** Darus-Sunnah publishes religious books through its publishing line, Maktabah Darus-Sunnah, which includes works by Kiai Ali Mustafa Yaqub and other faculty and student publications.