West Java Lawmaker Urges Increased Budget for Islamic Boarding Schools

As discussions for the 2027 Regional Budget Priorities and Temporary Ceiling (KUA-PPAS) approach, a West Java DPRD member is advocating for enhanced government support for Islamic boarding schools, known as pesantren. Sidkon Djampi, a member of Commission I from the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction, stressed the critical need for the regional government to prioritize and adequately fund pesantren development.

Djampi highlighted the strategic importance of pesantren in shaping human resources, emphasizing that their role extends beyond religious education to fostering character, morals, and national values. He argued that continuous government support is essential for pesantren to improve their educational quality, upgrade facilities, and empower their students, known as santri.

He views the upcoming KUA-PPAS deliberations as a crucial opportunity to ensure that programs supporting pesantren remain a priority in the regional budget. Djampi believes the allocated funds must translate into tangible benefits for these religious educational institutions. This focus aligns with the West Java provincial government's commitment to developing a competitive and character-driven workforce.

Furthermore, Djampi clarified that strengthening pesantren involves more than just physical infrastructure. It includes enhancing the quality of education, improving the competence of educators, and fostering economic independence within the pesantren community. He expressed hope that the budget discussions will yield policies that significantly benefit the education sector, particularly pesantren, leading to positive impacts across West Java.