West Java DPRD Supports Development of Qasidah Arts in Tasikmalaya City
The West Java Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) is encouraging the development of qasidah arts in Tasikmalaya City. Among the initiatives being supported are the production of a short film about qasidah and a parade of 1,000 rebana drums to break a MURI (Indonesian World Records Museum) record.
The support was expressed by West Java DPRD member Yod Mintaraga from the Golkar Party faction during a visit to Tasikmalaya. He met with the Tasikmalaya City Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) together with officials from the Indonesian Qasidah Arts Institute (LASQI).
Yod said the meeting served as a dialogue space to discuss strengthening qasidah arts as part of the religious culture in the city known for its Islamic boarding schools. The support represents a concrete effort to help qasidah arts flourish once again within the community.
“Qasidah is a cultural art form with aesthetic value rooted in Islam, carrying messages of da’wah through poetry and religious songs. This must continue to be preserved and developed. LASQI’s existence is highly strategic for improving the quality of religious cultural arts in Tasikmalaya City, which is known as a city of santri,” he stated on Sunday (23/8).
He appreciated LASQI’s initiative in establishing an organisational structure down to the neighbourhood level (RW) to facilitate regeneration and mentoring with a strong network. This enables qasidah to become more competitive. Looking ahead, he expressed hope that qasidah arts events would not only serve as religious entertainment but also hold economic value.
“We support qasidah arts through the production of a short film and a parade of 1,000 rebana drums to break the MURI record. When there are festivals or competitions, small and medium enterprises (UMKM) also come alive. We are committed to continuing to encourage qasidah arts to grow further and reach wider audiences amid the surge of digitalisation and modern entertainment,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of LASQI Tasikmalaya, Andi Sulanjani, said the support from the West Java Provincial DPRD member represents a form of synergy with the government, particularly in realising programmes down to the grassroots level. He noted that interest among the younger generation in qasidah arts has declined due to the rapid spread of digitalisation and modern entertainment.
“Children nowadays are more occupied with gadgets. If we do not adapt, qasidah could be left behind. LASQI will prepare an agenda for the anniversary of Tasikmalaya City, namely breaking the MURI record with a parade of 1,000 rebana drums,” he concluded.