Deputy Interior Minister Urges Border Preachers to Become Social Movers

The National Border Management Agency (BNPP) of Indonesia has emphasised the importance of synergy among preachers in supporting the development of border areas. This commitment was highlighted during an international seminar and preachers’ upgrading event themed “Synergy of Preachers in Development in State Border Areas”, held at the Main Hall of the Sambas Regency Office on Tuesday (7/4/2026). The seminar was officially opened by Deputy Interior Minister (Wamendagri) Akhmad Wiyagus, accompanied by Sambas Regent Satono, who serves as Chairman of the Indonesian Muslim Brotherhood (Parmusi) for West Kalimantan Province. The international seminar was attended by participants from various countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Brunei Darussalam, as an effort to strengthen the strategic role of preachers in development, particularly in border regions. In his remarks, Deputy Interior Minister Akhmad Wiyagus stressed that the role of preachers should not be limited to religious guidance but expanded to encourage community independence. According to him, preachers hold a strategic position as social movers capable of cultivating collective awareness among the community, especially in border areas like Sambas Regency. “Preachers must help drive economic independence, food independence, and independence in various sectors of community life,” stated Akhmad Wiyagus. He also emphasised that the government of President Prabowo Subianto has prioritised border areas as a focus of national development through various strategic programmes. Furthermore, the Deputy Interior Minister explained that several national programmes have been and continue to be rolled out to accelerate progress in border regions, including the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG), People’s Schools, Red and White Village/Urban Village Cooperatives (KDMP), and strengthening community economies based on local potential. These programmes are expected to sustainably improve the welfare of border residents.