In Kampung Mahmud, Bandung Regent Ensures Incentives for Quran Teachers Remain Secure

Bandung Regent Dadang Supriatna (KDS) has stated he always maintains an emotional bond with Kampung Mahmud in Mekarrahayu Village, Margaasih District, especially since he first ran for regent and visited the legendary village several times. His visit under the Friday Mobile (Jumling) programme at the Mahmud Grand Mosque on Friday, 19 June 2026, became a moment to foster ties while ensuring various development and community religious programmes continue. “I have just returned here and have missed Kampung Mahmud. Besides possessing strong historical and religious value, this village is one of the religious icons of Bandung Regency,” KDS said. During the visit, KDS also inspected a number of road sections around Mekarrahayu Village that have been completed through the Bandung Regency Government’s infrastructure development programme. According to him, road construction is part of efforts to improve public accessibility while supporting the social, economic, and religious activities of residents in the area. In addition to infrastructure development, KDS affirmed his commitment to continuing the incentive programme for Quran teachers even though the regional government faces fiscal challenges due to reduced transfers from the central government. “Incentives for Quran teachers will continue. This is our commitment because the role of Quran teachers is immense in building the character of the younger generation and safeguarding religious values within society,” he said. The Quran teacher incentive programme, one of the Bandung Regency Government’s flagship initiatives, has been provided to thousands of Quran teachers, mosque caretakers, and religious figures as recognition for their contribution to community religious education. On the occasion, KDS also reminded attendees of the importance of maintaining and preserving the historical values of Kampung Mahmud, known as one of the oldest religious areas in Bandung Regency. Kampung Mahmud was founded by the Islamic proselytiser Eyang Dalem Abdul Manaf, who is believed to be descended from the early spreaders of Islam in Sundanese lands. The area is known as a traditional Islamic village that still maintains a number of traditions and local wisdom. The Mahmud Grand Mosque, which serves as the centre of community religious activities, also has its own uniqueness. Historically, the mosque building was constructed by adhering to a number of customary rules inherited from predecessors, including the use of building materials adapted to local traditions, such as extensive use of wood and bamboo. According to KDS, the existence of Kampung Mahmud is not only a historical heritage but also a centre of moral and spiritual education that must be continuously safeguarded by the younger generation. “We must preserve the legacy of the ulama and saints who built Islamic civilisation in this area. Kampung Mahmud holds immense historical value for Bandung Regency,” he said. KDS’s presence at the Jumling activity was appreciated by the community. Roby Prasetya (29), a resident of Mekarrahayu Village, expressed gratitude for the attention given by the Bandung Regency Government to development in his area. “Thank you, Regent, for coming to my village. The roads are already good, even though only partially. Hopefully the rest can also be concreted soon. May the Regent always be healthy,” he stated. A similar sentiment was conveyed by Muhamad Zakaria (16), a resident of Kampung Mahmud. He hopes activities like Jumling can continue so the community can interact directly with their leader. “To the Regent, please come to my village often. Thank you for giving me basic food assistance. May you be healthy and have a long life,” he said. Through the Jumling programme, the Bandung Regency Government continues to strengthen communication with the community while ensuring physical and religious development proceed hand in hand in realising a more ‘Bedas’ Bandung Regency.