Semarang Mayor Urged to Swiftly Implement Religious Travel Programme
Several religious organisations in Semarang City are urging the Semarang City Government (Pemkot Semarang) to promptly implement the religious travel programme designated for mosque caretakers (marbot), Quran teachers (guru ngaji), and religious figures. This push arises after numerous proposals have been submitted to the Semarang City Government from various community elements and religious organisations.
The programme is viewed as a form of appreciation for the dedication of those serving the community, who have played a vital role in nurturing the spiritual life of society. Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng is expected to swiftly follow up on these aspirations by formulating concrete policies and preparing an implementation scheme that is targeted and sustainable.
One representative from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Semarang City, Ismail, stated that the religious travel is not only a means of worship but also an opportunity to enhance Islamic knowledge, strengthen networks among religious figures, and provide spiritual refreshment for the beneficiaries.
“We see this as a fitting form of recognition for marbot, guru ngaji, and religious figures who have worked selflessly within the community. This proposal has been submitted for a long time, and we hope it will be realised soon,” he said.
Furthermore, the programme is expected to strengthen social harmony and religious values in Semarang City. The Semarang City Government is considered to have a strategic role in facilitating such activities as part of development based on spiritual and social values.
To date, various inputs and proposals related to the religious travel programme continue to flow into Pemkot Semarang, indicating the high expectations of the community for its realisation. The following is a list of religious organisations that have sent letters to the Semarang City Government:
Letter from the Regional Leadership of the Raudhatul Athfal Teachers’ Association Semarang City.
Letter from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Semarang City.
Letter from the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Branch Board Semarang City.
Letter from the Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership Semarang City.
Letter from the Pesantren Communication Forum (FKPP) Semarang City.
Letter from the Fellowship of Christian Churches Semarang City (PGKS).
Letter from the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB) Semarang City.
Letter from the National Inter-Church Consultative Body (Bamagnas) Regional Board Semarang City.
Letter from the Indonesian Hindu Dharma Parishad (PHDI) Semarang City.
In response to these proposal letters, Pemkot Semarang through the Social Welfare Section has allocated a budget for religious travel in 2026 amounting to Rp7.7 billion. Last year, Pemkot Semarang sent off 151 participants. This year, the number has significantly increased to 215 people.