Gresik, June 3, 2026 – MTs YKUI Maskumambang continues its commitment to presenting an excellent educational program through the Progressive Class. This intensive learning program is organized by the Maskumambang Islamic Boarding School (Pondok Pesantren), beginning at the Madrasah Tsanawiyah (junior high school) level. The program is designed to filter, nurture, and cultivate the potential of santri (students) to possess a high spirit of learning through more intensive instruction.
The main focus of the Progressive Class includes strengthening Arabic language skills, tahfidz (memorization) of the Al-Qur’an, and deepening Islamic studies. Through this program, santri are academically and mentally prepared to pursue higher education at various overseas universities, particularly in the Middle East and other international study destinations.
As part of these efforts, MTs YKUI Maskumambang held a muhadatsah (Arabic conversation) activity with a native speaker from Egypt via a Zoom Meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 09:30 to 10:30 WIB.
The Progressive Class santri participated in the activity with great enthusiasm. The presence of a speaker directly from Egypt provided a different learning experience, allowing students to interact directly with a native Arabic speaker. This program is a form of implementing communicative learning aimed at improving the students’ speaking skills.
The Head of MTs-MA YKUI Maskumambang, Ah. Zulianto, explained that the activity was the result of a collaboration established through a cross-country friendship network by the Leader of Pondok Pesantren Maskumambang, K.H. Nidlol Masyhud, Lc., Dpl.
“Alhamdulillah, this morning, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, we held a muhadatsah activity with a native speaker brought in directly from Egypt via Zoom Meeting. This speaker is a collaboration and also a direct friend of the Leader of Pondok Pesantren Maskumambang, K.H. Nidlol Masyhud, Lc., Dpl.”
“Progressive Class teachers also accompanied the children while communicating and helping to translate. This activity was not only held for male students, but female students had also carried out a similar activity previously,” said Ustadz Zulianto after the event.
During its execution, the Progressive Class teachers accompanied the santri throughout the session. This guidance aimed to assist the communication process, clarify the material presented, and ensure that all santri could follow the activity well. In his presentation, Ustadz Zuli explained that the interaction between the santri and the speaker was active, making the learning atmosphere feel more alive and enjoyable.
Learning directly from an Egyptian native speaker provides many benefits for the santri. They can directly hear the correct Arabic pronunciation in accordance with the makhraj (articulation points of letters) and the linguistic rules used by Arab society.
Another benefit felt is the direct correction from the speaker if errors occur in word pronunciation or sentence structure. Thus, santri can correct mistakes early on and build good and correct Arabic language habits. The experience of speaking directly with an Arab person also helps boost the students’ self-confidence, making them bolder in using Arabic in their daily lives.
According to Ustadz Zuli, the main goal of organizing the muhadatsah with the native speaker from Egypt is to achieve natural fluency in Arabic. Santri are expected to be able to respond to conversations spontaneously without having to translate into Indonesian first.
“In addition, this activity also aims to introduce the cultural context of Arab society, including communication ethics, the use of appropriate expressions, and understanding the social customs that develop in Arab countries.”
Furthermore, this program is part of the long-term preparation for Progressive Class santri to face global challenges. Strong Arabic language skills will be an important asset for those who aspire to continue their studies at various prestigious universities in the Middle East, such as Al-Azhar University and other universities in the Arab region. In addition, this competence will support international career opportunities and facilitate communication when performing Hajj or Umrah.
Through this activity, MTs YKUI Maskumambang once again demonstrates its seriousness in breeding a generation of santri who are excellent, globally-minded, and possess strong Arabic language competence. The Progressive Class program is expected to be a bridge for the birth of a young Islamic generation ready to continue higher education at overseas universities and contribute to the Ummah (community), the nation, and the international world.
