Modern Santri Criticize Traditional Peers Over Reaction to Trans7 Broadcast

Modern Santri Criticize Traditional Peers Over Protest Against Trans7 Broadcast

By: Bani Khoirul A. (30802300019)

 

SEMARANG, Central Java.  A recent episode of Trans7’s investigative program Xpose Uncensored, aired on 13 October 2025, sparked strong reactions among traditional santri across Indonesia after the broadcast depicted pesantren as strict, outdated, and oppressive educational institutions. The portrayal triggered widespread protests, drawing national attention and prompting responses from various Islamic boarding school communities

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Source: Xpose Trans7

The episode showed several scenes suggesting that some traditional pesantren still practice rigid systems and unquestioned obedience to kyai. While many viewers criticized the broadcast as biased and disrespectful, groups of traditional santri responded by organizing large demonstrations in front of Trans7 branch offices and several Transmart stores.

Amid the heated reactions, modern pesantren students and alumni voiced different perspectives. One of them, CR, an alumnus of Al-Multazam Modern Islamic Boarding School in Kuningan, criticized the way traditional santri responded to the issue.

“When people criticize us like that, we should fix what’s wrong, not just get angry. We should prove that what people think about pesantren is wrong,” CR said in an interview.

According to him, although the broadcast was too explicit in presenting its findings, the protests carried out by some traditional santri were excessive.

“Trans7 is not entirely wrong, but the way they presented it was too explicit. Still, those who came to confront Trans7 or Transmart went too far, and that kind of reaction can’t really be justified,” he added.

CR emphasized that modern pesantren tend to respond calmly because they focus on academic development and broader societal contribution. He highlighted recent achievements from his former school as an example.

Source: almultazam.id

“As modern Muslims, we have to be ready to face global challenges with logical thinking and proper knowledge. That’s why modern pesantren stay focused. For example, Al-Multazam just joined a robotics competition in Malaysia,” he said.

The contrasting responses between traditional and modern pesantren became a subject of public discussion following the broadcast. While traditional santri criticized the program for misrepresenting their institutions, modern pesantren figures encouraged introspection and constructive improvement rather than emotional reactions.

Authorities and religious organizations have not yet issued an official statement regarding the controversy, but discussions continue among communities as the debate reflects broader differences in educational approaches within Indonesia’s pesantren landscape.