Five Years of Ijang Faisal Leading IPHI West Java: Achievements and Future Plans Established
The Regional Board of the Indonesian Association of Hajj Pilgrims (Ikatan Persaudaraan Haji Indonesia/IPHI) West Java held a joint iftar and plenary meeting of the board at the Horizon Hotel, South Circular Road, Bandung, on Saturday (14 March).
The gathering served as a milestone to reflect on the organisation’s journey during five years of leadership under IPHI West Java Chairman Dr H Ijang Faisal. The same event was used to formulate strategic steps for the organisation’s future direction.
On this occasion, Ijang expressed gratitude for the five years of leadership conducted amidst various organisational dynamics. The unity of board members and members emerged as the primary factor enabling IPHI West Java to continue operations and implement various programmes.
“Thank God we have carried out five years of leadership of IPHI West Java with all its dynamics. I express my gratitude for the unity of all board members and members. We know that dynamics at the central level did impact the regions, including West Java. From various pressures to difficult situations to face. However, this unity enabled us to continue moving forward and keeping the organisation solid,” he said.
According to him, despite various challenges, positive developments continued to emerge within the organisation. One such development was the establishment of IPHI management structures in several regions such as Bogor and Garut, demonstrating that the spirit of hajj brotherhood continues to grow and develop in West Java.
Organisational independence
Ijang also emphasised that throughout this period, IPHI West Java has sought to maintain organisational independence by not becoming overly dependent on government grants, to avoid generating unproductive internal dynamics.
“We are grateful that IPHI West Java can carry out various activities without having to depend on grants. If an organisation becomes too dependent on grants, usually many dynamics and even internal conflicts arise. For this reason we deliberately limited ourselves. Thank God the organisational secretariat can operate, various programmes are implemented, and the provincial government continues to pay attention to IPHI West Java’s existence,” he explained.
Beyond organisational activities, various religious activities continue to operate. Through the network of Islamic teaching councils (Majelis Taklim), IPHI regularly conducts religious guidance activities for its members, amidst various societal challenges, particularly in the economic sector.
Looking ahead, IPHI West Java has prepared several important agendas. Within the next six months, a national IPHI congress will be held, followed by a Regional Consultative Assembly (Musda) of IPHI West Java to determine new leadership.
Additionally, the board is planning a post-Eid celebration event expected to be held at Pakuan Building, Bandung, as a form of strengthening organisational bonds. Moreover, if possible in the future it could be held at the State Palace.
Ijang Faisal also conveyed that organisational development must continue to ensure IPHI plays an increasingly significant role in community life.
He acknowledged that the organisation’s journey has not always been easy. However, family support, especially from his wife, has been a source of motivation to continue maintaining organisational sustainability.
The joint iftar and plenary meeting was attended by IPHI West Java board members and representatives of regional board leadership, who collectively conducted programme evaluation and formulated organisational steps in facing upcoming strategic agendas.