Pondok Pesantren Salafiyah Syafi'iyah Sukorejo

Origins and Founding Period: Clearing the Sukorejo Wilderness

The history of this pesantren began in 1908. Its founder was Kiai Syamsul Arifin, a charismatic cleric from Madura. Before settling in Sukorejo, Kiai Syamsul Arifin embarked on spiritual and intellectual journeys. Upon the advice of his teacher, Syaikhona Kholil Bangkalan, he was asked to establish a settlement and spread Islamic teachings in the Situbondo region, which at that time was still a dense forest inhabited by a community far from religious values.

The process of "babat alas" (land clearing) began with full physical and metaphysical challenges. Together with his son, As’ad Syamsul Arifin, and several loyal followers, Kiai Syamsul Arifin established a small prayer room and a few simple bamboo huts. The name "Salafiyah Syafi'iyah" was chosen to emphasize the pesantren's identity, which adheres strictly to the traditions of the salaf (early scholars) and follows the Shafi'i school of jurisprudence.

Architecture and Construction Details: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Architecturally, Pondok Pesantren Salafiyah Syafi'iyah Sukorejo showcases an evolution of construction over time. In its early days, the buildings were very traditional, using materials like wood, bamboo, and thatched roofs. As times changed, the complex transformed into a grand educational area without losing its Javanese pesantren characteristics.

The iconic building on this site is the Masjid Jami' Ibrahimy. This mosque has a structure that combines local architectural elements with a Middle Eastern touch. The use of large pillars and high ceilings gives an impression of grandeur. Around the mosque, there is a complex of the founder's family tombs, which serves as a pilgrimage center. The spatial arrangement in this pesantren follows the krapyak pattern, where santri residences (dormitories) surround the center of worship and the caregivers' residences, creating a system of supervision and a strong emotional bond between teachers and students.

Historical Significance and Important Events

This site holds immense national historical value. One of the most monumental events that occurred in Sukorejo was the 27th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in 1984. It was here that NU officially reaffirmed its return to the 1926 Khittah and bravely became the first Islamic organization to accept Pancasila as its sole foundation in national life. This decision was a crucial turning point in the relationship between religion and the state in Indonesia.

Furthermore, during the physical revolution (1945-1949), this pesantren served as a base for defense and logistics for the independence fighters. The forest surrounding the pesantren became a hiding place for guerrillas, while the santri were trained as "Pelopor" (Pioneer) troops ready to fight against the Dutch colonizers.

Key Figure: Kiai Haji R. As’ad Syamsul Arifin

The name Pondok Pesantren Sukorejo cannot be separated from the figure of Kiai Haji Raden As’ad Syamsul Arifin. He was the key figure who carried the baton of leadership from his father. Kiai As’ad was not only a cleric but also a National Hero of Indonesia.

One unique historical fact is Kiai As’ad's role in the founding of Nahdlatul Ulama. He was the messenger (courier) from Syaikhona Kholil Bangkalan, carrying a walking stick and prayer beads to KH Hasyim Asy'ari, which served as a spiritual sign for the establishment of NU in 1926. Throughout his life, Kiai As’ad was known as an accomplished mediator between the interests of the community and government policies, and he was a primary reference for state officials in making strategic decisions.

Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

As a living monument and an active historical site, the Situbondo Regency Government and the East Java Provincial Government pay special attention to the preservation of this area. Restoration efforts are carried out periodically on old buildings to maintain their authenticity.

The tombs of Kiai Syamsul Arifin and Kiai As’ad Syamsul Arifin have now been designated as protected cultural heritage sites. The pesantren management has also built the As’ad Syamsul Arifin Museum, which houses various historical artifacts, ranging from ancient handwritten books, war equipment from the revolution, to photographic documentation of important national events involving the pesantren.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Culturally, Sukorejo is an epicenter of Javanese-Madurese Islamic traditions. Every year, thousands of people attend the Haul (commemoration of a figure's passing) event, which becomes a moment to strengthen social bonds among residents from various regions. The tradition of scholarship here continues to maintain the wetonan and sorogan systems (methods of reading classical texts), but innovatively integrates them with formal education systems up to the university level (Universitas Ibrahimy).

Pondok Pesantren Salafiyah Syafi'iyah Sukorejo also serves as a symbol of religious moderation. The principles of Tawasuth (moderation), Tawazun (balance), and I'tidal (uprightness) taught here form the foundation for creating harmony among religious communities in the Situbondo region and its surroundings.

Unique Historical Facts

A unique and rarely known fact is that during the Japanese occupation, this pesantren briefly served as a military training ground for local youth. Kiai As’ad, with his ingenuity, utilized the Japanese presence to equip the santri with combat skills that would later be used to expel the colonizers. Additionally, the Sukorejo area was once considered a "dumping ground" for socially problematic individuals, but through gentle da'wah (preaching) approaches, Kiai Syamsul Arifin succeeded in transforming them into a religious and productive community.

With an age exceeding a century, Pondok Pesantren Salafiyah Syafi'iyah Sukorejo continues to stand as a beacon of Islamic civilization in East Java. Its existence is not just about physical buildings, but about the long narrative of the Indonesian nation's struggle to maintain sovereignty and preserve its religious identity amidst the changing times.