Bogor Regent Increases Religious Teacher Incentives to Rp1.2 Million, Clerics Appreciate

Religious leaders in Bogor Regency, West Java, have expressed strong approval for Regent Rudy Susmanto's decision to raise the incentives for 8,400 non-civil servant Islamic religious teachers. The increased allowance, set at Rp1.2 million per person annually, will be accommodated through the 2026 budget revision.

Abdul Somad, Chairman of the Bogor Regency Branch of Nahdlatul Ulama (PCNU), stated that the incentive hike will significantly aid teachers, particularly those serving in remote areas. "This greatly helps the religious teachers in the remote areas in meeting their needs," he said, emphasizing that many teachers work under modest economic conditions. He views the increase as a tangible sign of the local government's attention to their contributions.

Another local cleric, Heri Alkhusaeri, echoed this sentiment, describing the policy as a form of recognition from the regional government for the vital role religious teachers play in providing religious education to the community. "Praise be to God, may Bogor Regency under the leadership of Mr. Rudy Susmanto always be blessed," Alkhusaeri remarked.

The Bogor Regency government has allocated a total budget of approximately Rp10.08 billion for this program. This amount covers the 8,400 teachers coordinated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) Kabupaten Bogor. The funds will be disbursed in the form of grants, underscoring the government's commitment to supporting religious education across the region.