The year 2021 stood as a unique chapter in the history of Islamic education in Indonesia. It was a year defined by a delicate balance between tradition and adaptation. For the santri —students dedicated to studying at pesantren (Islamic boarding schools)—2021 was not merely a passage of time, but a crucible that tested their resilience, reshaped their social fabric, and highlighted their enduring cultural significance.

The term "santri" traditionally refers to students who study Islam in pesantren, a uniquely Indonesian institution that blends religious education with communal living. By the 2020/2021 academic year, Indonesia was home to approximately across thousands of pesantren nationwide, with East Java having the highest concentration. Of these, 2.3 million were male and 2.07 million were female , demonstrating that Islamic education in Indonesia is nearly balanced in gender participation.

: A significant trend was the rise of individuals gaining religious knowledge solely through social media, known as "santri without pesantren." . While this democratized access to learning, it also led to fragmented religious understanding and increased sectarian tensions in digital spaces.

2021 saw a significant push toward economic independence, with many pesantren developing cooperatives, agricultural enterprises, and digital businesses.

Progressive pesantrens, such as Tebuireng and Gontor, launched "Digital Literacy for Santri" programs. By mid-2021, Kiai (religious leaders) were hosting Instagram Lives not just about Fiqh (jurisprudence), but about identifying hoaxes and cyber-bullying. The Santri of 2021 learned that preserving culture meant defending keislaman (Islamness) from the toxicity of anonymous online mobs.

The santri movement has been characterized by a strong sense of religiosity and a desire to implement Islamic values in everyday life. Many santri are active on social media, using platforms like Instagram and Twitter to promote their ideals and engage with like-minded individuals. They have also been involved in various social and community activities, such as providing humanitarian aid, promoting interfaith dialogue, and advocating for social justice.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs organized several creative activities despite pandemic restrictions, including: