"I hope West Java FPPU can establish a business entity soon, and we will collaborate with professionals (for this purpose) without neglecting the main goal of Islamic Da'wah. We hope our endeavor will be successful and self-sufficiency will be achieved," Kamil said at the FPPU leadership inauguration ceremony in Bandung, West Java, on Saturday.
The pesantren forum's business entity would be given opportunities to take part in national and provincial development, including by managing neglected lands, that will benefit pesantren and the Muslim community, the governor added.
He also asked FPPU, which is recognized by the provincial authority as an official partner for Islamic boarding school and Muslim community empowerment, to contribute to achieving the West Java government's missions.
"Let us contribute to the success of the development program in 2022, and we hope West Java pesantren will achieve their self-sufficiency in the future," Kamil remarked.
The governor highlighted that some programs, including the One Pesantren One Product (OPOP) program, are aimed at bolstering the economic prowess of pesantren.
The provincial authority has also cooperated with provincial-owned BJB Bank to roll out a zero-interest and zero-collateral credit program to enhance financial access for public and micro-scale enterprises, he added.
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"Residents are yet to fully utilize the credit program. The Duafa (economically disadvantaged people) at pesantren can apply for a Rp5-million loan with zero collateral and interest (at the bank)," Kamil said.
The West Java government has also devised the English for Ulema program to help Muslim proselytizers study the English language, the governor added.
"We need to expand our Da'wah to the digital realm because nowadays, children are no longer learning the Qur'an at the Mosque but instead through YouTube videos. We should not let them pick the wrong teacher and model because we must prevent them from hurting and shaming others after listening to their lectures," Kamil remarked.
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Translator: Ajat Sudrajat, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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