Santri Repack: How a New Generation of Islamic Students Is Rebranding Indonesian Culture and Activism
In Indonesia, the concept of Santri Repack (or "The New Santri") describes a modern generation of Muslims who engage with social and cultural issues through digital platforms rather than traditional boarding schools. They use social media to "repackage" Islamic values into accessible, bite-sized content that addresses contemporary Indonesian life. Taylor & Francis Online Key Content Pillars of the Modern Santri
The transformation of the santri persona has profound implications for Indonesian social issues:
The internet and digital technologies have made the creation, distribution, and consumption of such content easier and more anonymous. This has posed significant challenges for authorities and internet governance bodies aiming to regulate and mitigate the negative impacts of such content.
This cultural synthesis manifests in various vibrant traditions. For instance, the communal act of eating together from a large, shared tray, known as Kenduri or Talaman , is a widespread social practice in pesantren that builds community bonds. In the Sundanese region of West Java, santri use the traditional terms " Akang " or " Kang " to address their Kyai (religious teacher) as a sign of deep respect, an adaptation of local social hierarchies. Similarly, in Banyuwangi, some pesantren preserve the local art of " Mocoan Lontar Yusup " (reciting a religious story from a palm-leaf manuscript), ensuring its survival for future generations. Even in Central Kalimantan, it's common for santri of various ethnicities to communicate using the local Dayak language, showing how pesantren become crucibles for cultural integration and mutual respect.
In the vibrant, often chaotic landscape of contemporary Indonesia, a new wave of cultural commentary is reshaping how society views itself. Among the most influential, yet sometimes misunderstood, voices are those dubbed "Santri Repack."
This rebranding is driven by Gen Z and Millennial santri who possess a dual literacy: they understand classical Islamic jurisprudence, and they master the algorithms of TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. They are moving away from rigid, dogmatic lecturing, opting instead for aesthetics, humor, and relatability to capture the public imagination. 2. Digital Da'wah and the Aesthetics of Nuance