Khofifah urges NU Muslimat in NTB to help prevent child marriage
Mataram (ANTARA) - Chair of the PP Muslimat NU Advisory Board, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, has urged Muslimat NU in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) to play an active role in assisting the local government to prevent child marriage.
“We all have a responsibility to prevent social issues, particularly child marriage. The role of mothers is very significant, but this also requires the involvement of all elements of society,” Khofifah said during the inauguration of 10 Branch Management Boards (PC) of Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama across NTB in Mataram on Sunday.
According to her, family resilience is the main pillar towards the Golden Indonesia.
“The family is the first fortress. If this fortress is weak, the nation’s defence will also falter. Muslimat NU must be present to ensure that noble traditions are maintained while remaining economically independent so that families become more empowered,” she stated.
Khofifah reminded of the importance of digital adaptation for Muslimat cadres without abandoning their roots as santri. The independence mentioned includes independent thinking, women’s and child protection, action, and economy, so that Muslimat NU can make real contributions to regional development, especially in NTB.
“Oral preaching has been widely carried out, but we must strengthen preaching through actions. For example, the vaccination programme is a real form of preaching through actions,” she said.
She revealed that the vaccination coverage in NTB has reached 97 percent through a collaborative programme with the Global Alliance for Vaccination Indonesia (GAVI).
In addition, Muslimat NU is also developing environmental programmes through a pesantren-based tree-planting movement.
“We call it oxygen alms. This can be done anytime and anywhere,” said the East Java Governor.
Khofifah also invited all Muslimat members to continue preserving traditional values and promoting peaceful civilisation amid global dynamics.
Meanwhile, Chair of PWNU NTB, Prof Masnun, appreciated Khofifah’s contributions, which he considered as a role model for women.
“She is an exemplary figure for us all. Her contributions prove that women have a significant role and equal opportunities in building civilisation,” he said.
He also emphasised that women have a strategic position in development.
“Women are not just complements, but have equal rights and obligations in building the world,” he stated.
NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal highlighted the importance of maintaining family values amid social changes.
According to him, various social issues such as child marriage and drug abuse stem from the weakening of family values.
He invited Muslimat NU to be at the forefront in safeguarding family resilience. The call was enthusiastically welcomed by hundreds of attendees.