PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - The Garut Regency Government held a commemoration event to welcome the Islamic New Year, 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah, at the Garut Grand Mosque in Garut City District on Monday (June 15, 2026). The event, held earlier than the original calendar, was intended to allow the community to focus more on worship and gather with family at home on the day.

In his remarks, Garut Regent Abdusy Syakur Amin invited all attendees to reflect on the profound meaning of the Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina. He argued that the essence of migration is not merely a physical move, but rather a spirit of transformation toward a better future.

"Moving doesn't always have to mean location. Whether it's changing positions, jobs, or areas of work, the important thing is to improve. Because we realize that what we do is solely to gain Allah SWT's approval," he said.

He also motivated the community and the ranks of state civil servants (ASN) within the Garut Regency Government to not hesitate to take on new challenges for the sake of mutual progress.

"I invite everyone present to come together. If there's something better we can do, we'll work on it. We'll do it, whether it's a job or a challenge, and we'll definitely do it," said the Garut Regent.

The moment of the Islamic New Year is also used to promote the "Garut Berhaji" program, a strategic step by the Garut Regency Government to facilitate its citizens, including ASN, to plan their Hajj pilgrimage early.

Indra Azwar Mawardi, Head of the Garut Regency Hajj and Umrah Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), expressed his appreciation for the memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding this program. Indra explained that the current Hajj quota system is based on provincial quotas based on portion numbers, rather than per district/city.

He explained that in 2026, only 169 pilgrims from Garut will be included in the provincial quota. This is because Garut has only just completed its 2015 quota, while other cities/regencies, such as Depok and Bekasi, are still completing their 2013 and 2014 quotas.

Through a collaborative program with Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), Garut residents are making it easier to register. With just an initial deposit of Rp 25 million at the bank, their data will be immediately validated by the Garut Regency Ministry of Religious Affairs.

"Well, this is a good opportunity for you, ladies and gentlemen. Please invite the Ministry of Hajj to register. Well, the regent is providing an MoU with BSI Bank so that if you have the opportunity, you can go to the Baitullah," he said.

Meanwhile, the Area Manager of Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) for the Bandung City Area, Trisna Natalianzah, emphasized BSI's commitment as a financial, social, and spiritual friend to the people of Garut.

This synergy between the Garut Regency Government, the Ministry of Religion, and BSI is expected to boost Islamic financial literacy and help the community make thorough plans for the Hajj pilgrimage.

"In this context, the synergy between Bank Syariah Indonesia and the Garut Regency Government this morning is concrete evidence of our collaboration with the Garut Regency Government in providing education, literacy, and support regarding Islamic banking, particularly regarding how the people of Garut can undertake the Hajj pilgrimage," he concluded. (Garut Communications and Information Service/rka)