Prof Dr KH Amal Fathullah Zarkasyi, leader of Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor, died on January 3, 2026, at RSUD Dr Moewardi in Solo. The Islamic education figure was renowned for advancing muadalah education and founding Universitas Darussalam Gontor. Numerous leaders expressed condolences over his passing.
Prof Dr KH Amal Fathullah Zarkasyi, MA, passed away at 12:14 WIB on Saturday, January 3, 2026, after treatment at RSUD Dr Moewardi in Solo. Born on November 4, 1947, as the fourth son of KH Imam Zarkasyi, one of Gontor's founders, he had served as the pondok's leader since October 23, 2020, succeeding KH Abdullah Syukri Zarkasyi.
Previously, he was the first rector of Universitas Darussalam Gontor (Unida Gontor) from 2014 to 2020. Under his leadership, the university established programs such as Informatika in 2014 and Medicine by late 2023, in collaboration with Universitas Islam Indonesia.
He played a crucial role in formulating Minister of Religious Affairs Regulation No. 18 of 2020 on Satuan Pendidikan Muadalah (SPM), recognizing the equivalence of pesantren education to formal systems. Gontor's experience, recognized since 1998 and 2000, formed the basis of his advocacy. Over 350 NU pesantrens are now integrated into this scheme.
Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti described his passing as "a great loss to the national education world". He praised the late figure's dedication, knowledge, piety, morals, and leadership. Fathul Wahid, Rector of Universitas Islam Indonesia, recalled his message: "Be a scholar who is a fighter, and a fighter who is a scholar."
Prof Dr Nur Hadi Ihsan emphasized that Gontor is built on systems and values, not individual figures, ensuring the institution's journey continues. Alumni and colleagues like Muhammad Irfanudin Kurniawan lauded his efforts to preserve pesantren traditions while opening higher education access.
His departure leaves a legacy of trusteeship in Indonesian Islamic education, focusing on character building through knowledge.
