Andra Soni Says Only 9,000 Waqf Mosques and Prayer Halls in Banten Hold Certificates

Banten Governor Andra Soni has disclosed that only 9,000 mosques and prayer halls built on waqf land in the province have been certified, despite an estimated 15,000 waqf mosques existing across Banten.

Andra urged the board of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI) to work together to accelerate the certification process for waqf mosque and prayer hall land. He noted that a cooperation agreement had recently been established between the National Land Agency (BPN) and religious institutions to speed up waqf land certification.

“In Banten, there are around 15,000 mosques and prayer halls, yet only about 9,000 have had their waqf status certified. For everything to be completed swiftly, we must collaborate,” he said during a Ramadan Safari event at Al Bantani Mosque in Serang City on Monday (23/2/2026).

The event was also attended by Banten Police Chief Inspector General Hengki and Banten Provincial DMI Chairman Bunyamin Hafidz. During the occasion, a total of Rp233 million in aid was distributed to mustahik (eligible recipients) in Serang City, including religious teachers, Quran instructors, and mosque administrators.

Andra Soni remarked that the month of Ramadan represents an opportune moment for sharing and helping one another, with the hope of receiving blessings from the holy month.

“May the fast we undertake together not only earn us spiritual rewards but also bring us blessings,” he said.

Meanwhile, Banten Police Chief Inspector General Hengki stated that Ramadan is a moment to strengthen togetherness. He expressed hope that the Banten region would remain stable throughout the holy month.

“This Ramadan Safari is not merely a gathering for fellowship, but also a demonstration of our togetherness and concern for the community. We at Banten Regional Police are committed to ensuring public order remains conducive, so that the community can carry out their worship in peace,” Hengki said.