MPR Speaker Opens Al Washliyah Congress, Applauds Teachers' Dedication in Remote Areas

The 23rd Congress of Al Jam’iyatul Al Washliyah was officially opened by the Speaker of the MPR RI, Ahmad Muzani, at the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory in Jakarta on Tuesday evening. The organisation’s highest deliberative forum carries the theme ‘Serving the Ummah, Towards an Advanced Indonesia’ as the direction for Al Washliyah’s service to the people and the nation. In his address, the MPR Speaker stated that Indonesia is very fortunate to have religious organisations like Al Washliyah because they have cadres in remote villages whose preaching inspires and builds a spirit of optimism among economically disadvantaged communities. ‘Just imagine, if there were no religious organisations like Al Washliyah, how heavy the state’s burden would be to educate the nation’s children,’ Muzani said during his speech. Muzani also expressed appreciation for the struggle of Al Washliyah teachers in remote areas. Despite their modest salaries, which are often disproportionate to the cost of living, their teaching spirit remains very high. ‘Earlier I heard that Al Washliyah has thousands of cadres teaching in their own madrasahs under concerning conditions,’ Muzani noted. He revealed that despite the concerning conditions, their dedication remains high because for them, teaching is not merely about seeking worldly gain but also the hereafter. On the occasion, the MPR Speaker also advised teachers and women to make good use of technological advances. ‘Now everything is on a mobile phone. If you want to learn to be an entrepreneur, make cakes, cook rendang, or open a stall, you can do it on your mobile phone. So make good use of social media and don’t become a victim,’ he said. He explained that if mobile phones are used properly, this communication tool can support the economy of teachers wherever they are located. The 23rd Al Jam’iyatul Al Washliyah Congress was attended by approximately 1,000 participants from 38 regional boards across Indonesia, 7 organisational sections, 198 district boards, as well as several overseas boards from Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States, along with rectors and heads of Al Washliyah higher education institutions. Among the guests seated in the front row were MUI Chairman KH Abdul Manan Ghani, PSI Daily Chairman Ahmad Ali, Baznas RI Chairman Sodik Mudjahid, Deputy Minister of Villages Ahmad Riza Patria, the Ambassador of Palestine to Indonesia H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah A.K. Alsattari, and BIN Chief Z Huda. During the opening ceremony, a memorandum of understanding was signed for a programme and financial assistance worth Rp 500 million in the first phase and another Rp 500 million in the subsequent phase to improve the quality of education and the welfare of Al Washliyah teachers.