Hundreds of Koran teachers across Bandung City support the Farhan-Erwin pair in the 2024 regional elections (DOK/TIM FARHAN-ERWIN)
A pair of candidates for Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan-Erwin, received the support of the Bandung City Koran Teachers’ Forum. More than 300 Koran teachers declared their support at the Farhan-Erwin Joint Secretariat, in Ujungberung, Bandung City.
The Chairman of Bandung City Koran Teachers’ Forum, A Zaenal Muttaqien, explained that his party was very interested in the vision and religious mission promoted by Farhan-Erwin. “All support must have similarities and the same vision and mission,” he said.
He positively assessed the vision and religious mission of Bandung UTAMA (excellent, open, reliable, progressive and religious) promoted by Farhan Erwin. “We see this as one, who want to make Bandung religious something that must be understood,” he said.
In addition, he was attracted by Farhan-Erwin’s campaign promise to optimize aid for Koran teachers. They really hope that the Bandung City Government will pay more attention to them.
He admitted that this was because the welfare of the Koran teachers was still not good. “Of course we hope that the welfare of these Koran teachers can be improved,” said Zaenal.
One way, he continued, is to strengthen the rule of law, so that more attention is paid to their lives. This can be done by local regulations or mayoral regulations.
If this legal umbrella is in place, Zaenal is hopeful that the government can allocate a sufficient budget to Koran teachers. “Right now, it’s still a grant fund,” he said.
In this way, it is hopeful that the presence of Koran teachers will be better so that there will be better religious development among the children of Bandung City. “God willing, Kang Farhan-Erwin can do it, so we can create more than a religious Bandung society,” said Zaenal.
Incentives
The candidate for Deputy Mayor of Bandung, Erwin, who was present at the declaration, was grateful for this support.
“Alhamdulillah, we, Farhan-Erwin, would like to express our thanks and gratitude for the support of Koran teachers throughout the city of Bandung, who, God willing, are pious and pious people because they always express al Ilmi ma’rifatullah (useful knowledge),” he said.
It is these teachers, continued Erwin, who play an important role every day in changing the children’s morality from akhlakul mazmumah (bad morality) to akhlakul karimah (admirable morality).
“God willing, when Farhan-Erwin is entrusted to lead the City of Bandung, we have prepared a program for teachers to study in the form of additional incentives,” he said.
Additional incentives will also be provided to places of worship. ”Including the officers marbot and Fardhu Kifayah who are tasked with taking care of the bodies and washing them,” said Erwin.
Interview between Time.news Editor and A. Zaenal Muttaqien, Chairman of the Bandung City Koran Teachers’ Forum
Time.news Editor: Good day, Zaenal! Thank you for joining us. It’s exciting to see such community engagement in the upcoming regional elections in Bandung, especially with the Koran teachers uniting to support the Farhan-Erwin pair. Can you share what inspired you and over 300 Koran teachers to endorse this candidate duo?
A. Zaenal Muttaqien: Thank you for having me! The primary reason for our support is the vision and mission articulated by Farhan-Erwin, particularly their commitment to a Bandung that is excellent, open, reliable, progressive, and, most importantly, religious—what we call Bandung UTAMA. We see this as a step towards fostering a more religiously informed and supportive environment for our community.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like their vision aligns closely with your values. You mentioned the importance of welfare for Koran teachers. What specific changes are you hoping the Farhan-Erwin administration can implement to improve your situation?
A. Zaenal Muttaqien: Absolutely. One of our major concerns is the welfare of Koran teachers, which has unfortunately been overlooked for too long. We are hopeful that the candidate duo will not only optimize aid for us but also establish legal frameworks—such as local regulations or mayoral ordinances—that prioritize our needs. This legal backing is crucial for ensuring that the government allocates sufficient resources to enhance our livelihoods.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a concrete plan. Can you elaborate on why having a strong legal framework is essential for the support of Koran teachers?
A. Zaenal Muttaqien: A robust legal framework ensures that there’s accountability and a clear set of rights and protections for Koran teachers. Without this, our concerns might not receive the necessary attention from the government. This structure would not only help in resource allocation but also create a more transparent environment where Koran teachers can advocate for their rights effectively.
Time.news Editor: It’s enlightening to hear about the strategic approach in fostering your community’s welfare. Besides welfare improvements, how do you think Farhan-Erwin’s vision for Bandung can impact the broader community?
A. Zaenal Muttaqien: Their vision is not just about bettering the lives of Koran teachers; it’s about uplifting the entire Bandung community. By promoting a progressive and religiously aware governance model, we can foster a culture that values education, community service, and mutual respect. This could lead to more collaborative efforts in addressing social issues, enhancing public services, and ensuring that all voices in our society are heard.
Time.news Editor: That’s a very holistic perspective. What message do you have for other community groups and citizens as they consider their choices in the upcoming elections?
A. Zaenal Muttaqien: I urge everyone to look closely at the candidates’ visions and their track records. We need leaders who are not only aware of our challenges but are also genuinely committed to addressing them. Each vote is a voice for our collective future, and it’s crucial that we stand together to elect representatives who will advocate for all members of our community, especially those in need.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights, Zaenal! It’s evident that the Koran Teachers’ Forum has a resolute vision for a better Bandung. We wish you and your colleagues the best in your efforts to advocate for the welfare of Koran teachers and the community at large.
A. Zaenal Muttaqien: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues with you. Let’s hope for positive changes ahead!