PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Deputy Mayor of Bandung, Erwin, inaugurated the new building of the As Salafi Ar-Raaid Islamic Boarding School (Ponpes) Middle School and High School in Cipadung Wetan Village, Panyileukan District (22/4/2025).

On that occasion, Deputy Mayor Erwin expressed his gratitude for the inauguration of the new building.

He emphasized that the new building is not just infrastructure, but a symbol of the spirit of struggle and great hope to give birth to a generation that is intelligent, moral and ready to serve the people and nation.

"This new building is a great blessing and mandate from Allah. It is not just physical, bricks and cement, but a symbol of a great ideal to produce a knowledgeable and moral generation," said Deputy Mayor Erwin.

Deputy Mayor Erwin said that Islamic boarding schools have an important role in shaping the nation's character.

The history of the Indonesian nation cannot be separated from the contribution of Islamic boarding schools which have produced scholars, intellectuals, fighters and national leaders.

"In the midst of modernization, Islamic boarding schools like Ar-Raaid are an oasis. A place for children to learn religious knowledge and life values such as responsibility, discipline, and noble morals," said Deputy Mayor Erwin.

Regarding the vision of Religious Bandung, Deputy Mayor Erwin assessed that the inauguration of this new building is part of the concrete efforts of the Bandung City Government to build a religious, intelligent, and moral city.

One of the programs currently being implemented is a movement to eradicate illiteracy of the Qur'an.

"We will bring the Koran reading teachers directly to residents' homes. We want to reach those who are embarrassed to go to the mosque because they cannot yet recite the Koran. This is a form of government presence in the community," he explained.

On that occasion, Deputy Mayor Erwin also opened up opportunities for support from the Bandung City Government to Islamic boarding schools, including Ar-Raaid.

He stated the government's readiness to collaborate in strengthening the Islamic education ecosystem in the city of Bandung.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Ar-Raaid Foundation, Euis Susilawati, expressed her emotion and gratitude for the presence of the Deputy Mayor and all invited guests.

For him, this moment is very meaningful for his long struggle to establish the Islamic boarding school.

"Ar-Raaid Islamic Boarding School has been established since 2012, and this is the first time the Deputy Mayor has visited. This is a struggle of love and tears. Please pray that the licensing process for our junior high and senior high schools will be smooth," he said.

He also hopes that the students can be consistent in gaining knowledge and make that knowledge a blessed provision for life. (Diskominfo Kota Bandung/Fau)