Patahudding: Ramadhan Serves as Momentum for Evaluation and Development Direction in Luwu
Makassar (ANTARA) — Luwu Regent Patahudding of South Sulawesi has called on the public to use the holy month of Ramadhan as a moment for introspection, spiritual purification, and self-improvement, whilst strengthening the commitment to welfare-based regional development.
In a statement in Makassar on Thursday, Patahudding said that the passing of time should serve as a reminder to continually improve worship, refine character, and increase charitable deeds.
“I urge all of us to make Ramadhan a means of strengthening faith, fostering fellowship, and increasing social concern for one another,” he said.
On the occasion, he also reaffirmed the Luwu District Government’s commitment to implementing welfare-based development through a number of strategic priorities.
The regional government, he said, is promoting economic growth and public welfare through the development of the agriculture, plantation, fisheries, and MSME sectors as the backbone of the local economy. Food security remains a top priority to maintain price stability and farmer welfare.
Furthermore, the acceleration of infrastructure development and regional connectivity continues through improved road construction, transport facilities, irrigation, and public amenities to support economic growth and equitable development.
Improving the quality of human resources is also a focus through strengthening education and health services as well as developing the competencies of the younger generation to produce Luwu citizens who are excellent, competitive, and of good character.
In the social sector, the regional government is working to eradicate poverty and strengthen social protection through community economic empowerment programmes, well-targeted social assistance, and increased employment opportunities.
Digital transformation and good governance are also receiving attention through the digitalisation of public services, improved transparency, and bureaucratic effectiveness to deliver fast and quality services.
The Luwu District Government is also paying attention to the development of religious life and social harmony through support for religious guidance, the eradication of Quranic illiteracy, the fostering of taklim assemblies, the improvement of preachers’ competencies, and the training of mosque imams to create a religious and virtuous Luwu society.
The Luwu Regent revealed that the percentage of the population still unable to read the Quran remains considerably high. He therefore expressed hope that the active participation of the Luwu Islamic Preachers’ Association in regional deliberations could collectively help reduce the figure.
Beyond religious matters, he also highlighted the high crime rate in Luwu District, partly driven by online gambling. Cases of domestic violence have also become a serious concern for the regional government.
The Luwu Regent urged parents to increase supervision of their children. He announced that the Luwu District Government has issued a circular imposing a curfew for schoolchildren as a preventive measure to protect the younger generation from negative influences.