Towards a Wider Mandate o f Pesantren: in searh for a new nomenclature of political role of pesantren in an era of democracy

The world o f pesantren always receives high profile coveraged by the press following, during and after political events being held in Indonesia, such as legislative and executive elections, both at regional and national level. This is particularly due to the fact that pesantren is regarded unable to stay neutral amidst the configuration of political interests. Like a charming and attractive beautiful girl, pesantren suddenly becomes a new idol that attracts a great number o f boys. In short, pesantren is tempted to plunge itself within “forbidden affairs” and “illegal political transaction” that leads to conflict o f interests. Pesantren immerses itself in, for instance, a real political contest by supporting particular political party or running candidate during elections. As a result, pesantren has been widely claimed no longer able to maintain its prophetic role as the front-liner and defender o f public morality. Pesantren has further become the agent o f political power that seeks short-term pragmatic interests.