Bringing Pesantren into Diplomacy to Achieve the World Trust

Abstract

Conflict conditions in the Middle East would affect the many eyes of the world. All the world's eyes will turn to the areas that are relatively more stable for security affairs. Souteast Asia is relatively calmer than the Middle East today. ASEAN condition that is peaceful enough turns the world's attention onto it. Indonesia in ASEAN is the ultimate driving machine. One common enemy in the international community today is terrorism. Terrorists who brought the doctrine of radicalism admittedly still exist in Indonesia. Discussing radicalism today can be done by anyone of any circles. However, what makes it uncomfortable is when associating radicalism with Islamic boarding school/ Pesantren. Radicalism in the name of religion, in some cases, is done by some "former students" of Pesantren. But it does not then occur generalization that religious radicalism has always been associated with Pesantren. It’s very important to introduce the  Pesantren with all the character it has. Various activities of diplomacy, especially public diplomacy, can be used to bring pesantren. The main point is to explain to the world that Indonesia, which is predominantly Muslim, has pesantren as the main center of its teachings. The original Indonesian Pesantrens always preach peace. Public diplomacy is very appropriate to be used as a means gain the trust of the world.

Keywords: World Trust, Pesantren, Public Diplomacy