Pesantren’s Kyai and the Fragmentation of Religious Authority in a Muslim Peripheral Territory

GUPPI Educational Institutions (1968-1992)

“…Several narratives obtained from articles and documents depict the glory of GUPPI, including: its reliance on support from Golkar at that time, which was a party backing the New Order regime, evident from GUPPI's activities with the government, collaboration with UNICEF, and receiving assistance facilities from the state, such as land and other forms of aid. The following photos depict GUPPI activities in the past (Utomo et al, 2020). The decline of GUPPI began with the downfall of the New Order regime in 1998, as a result of GUPPI's support for the government by becoming an extension for the political interests of Golkar, which consequently impacted GUPPI when the regime changed.…”

“…They understand that if these Islamic educational institutions are not improved, graduates of this system will only become second-class citizens, a marginalized community within their own country. Indeed, some alumni of these traditional institutions may become a burden on the state, part of the needy class, especially because they lack adequate access and skills to support themselves (Utomo et al, 2020).…”