PORTALJABAR, BOGOR REGENCY - The Deputy Governor of West Java, Erwan Setiawan, invited the public to make the Islamic New Year of 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah a momentum towards a strong, independent, and competitive nation.

This was conveyed by Erwan when attending the Tasyakur and Commemoration of the Islamic New Year 1 Muharram 1448 H as well as the Grand Final and Award for the Champion of the 2026 Nusantara Azan Competition (MAN) II Worldwide at the Nurul Wathan Pakansari Mosque, Bogor Regency, Tuesday (16/6/2026).

"The hijrah we understand is not just a change of location, but a change towards a better quality. A hijrah from division to unity, from individualism to social concern, from decline to progress, and from the weakness of the community to a strong, independent, and competitive community," he said in his remarks.

He considered the activity's theme, "Migrating to Weave Brotherhood, in Peace and Harmony for the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," highly relevant to the nation's current situation. Erwan stated that migration should be interpreted as an effort to improve the quality of life and the social life of the community.

In addition, on that occasion, Erwan also appreciated the launch of a number of strategic programs initiated in the activity, namely the Indonesian Mosque One Data Program, the Mosque-Based Community Economic Activity Movement, and the Mosque Management Digital Transformation Movement.

"These programs show that mosques not only function as places of worship, but also as centers of community civilization," he said.

Also to the entire organizing committee of the Grand Final and the 2026 Worldwide Musabaqah Azan Nusantara (MAN) II Champion Award who have presented activities with religious value as well as social, cultural, and community empowerment dimensions.

"Through this competition, we are not only looking for the best voice, but also fostering the younger generation's love for Islamic teachings," he added.

He hopes that this activity can produce a generation of young people who are not only able to sing the call to prayer melodiously, but also become role models in morals, knowledge and community service.

Erwan also revealed that, as the province with the largest Muslim population in Indonesia, West Java has a significant responsibility in maintaining religious unity, strengthening religious moderation, and building social harmony.

"More than 97 percent of West Java's population is Muslim. Therefore, we have a great responsibility to maintain religious unity, strengthen religious moderation, and build social harmony within the community," said Erwan.

Through this Islamic New Year commemoration, Erwan hopes that the spirit of hijrah can inspire all people of West Java to continue strengthening their brotherhood, maintaining peace, and contributing to realizing a progressive and harmonious Indonesia.