Saturday, 11 July 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Medan Mayor, Rico Waas, has called on all Majelis Taklim (Islamic study groups) across the city to develop concrete and sustainable work programs that directly address the needs of the community. He also reaffirmed the Medan City Government's commitment to supporting initiatives that provide tangible benefits for residents, ranging from assistance with organizational legal registration to the provision of public facilities as venues for community activities.
The statement was delivered during an audience with the executive board of Majelis Taklim Ikhwanatul Jannah of Medan City at the Mayor's Official Residence on Tuesday (July 7, 2026). The meeting was also attended by Head of the Medan National Unity and Politics Agency Andy Mario Siregar and Head of the Social Welfare Division Agus Maryono.
Rico Waas emphasized that Majelis Taklim plays a significant role in strengthening social cohesion and community development. However, he said religious organizations should not limit their activities to ceremonial events or annual commemorations. Instead, they should consistently implement practical programs capable of delivering lasting benefits to the public.
"Every Majelis Taklim should have a clear work program. It does not have to be a large-scale event. Regular training programs, such as hydroponic farming, sewing, or other practical skills, will generate far greater benefits for the community," Rico Waas said.
According to him, community empowerment initiatives carried out on a smaller scale can create substantial long-term impacts when implemented consistently. Programs focusing on skills development, family economic empowerment, and women's capacity building are expected to improve public welfare while strengthening the role of Majelis Taklim within their respective communities.
To support those initiatives, Rico Waas confirmed that the Medan City Government will provide access to multipurpose halls at both the sub-district and urban village levels for community activities. The policy is intended to assist organizations that do not yet have permanent venues for their programs.
He also instructed the Social Welfare Division to coordinate with district and sub-district administrations whenever Majelis Taklim requires public facilities for community activities.
"Please make use of the halls available at the sub-district or urban village offices. Our Social Welfare Division will coordinate everything. As long as the activities benefit the community and cause no harm, the city government will fully support them," he said.
Beyond providing public facilities, Rico Waas reiterated that the city administration is also prepared to assist organizations in obtaining legal status. He explained that legal recognition is essential for organizations to implement their programs more systematically while gaining easier access to government support and broader partnerships.
On the same occasion, Rico Waas encouraged Majelis Taklim to become actively involved in public health campaigns. He noted that mothers play a strategic role in educating their families about the importance of children's health and preventive healthcare.
He said misconceptions about childhood immunization and proper infant nutrition remain widespread within the community. Therefore, Majelis Taklim can serve as an important partner for the government in disseminating accurate health information to the public.
"Many people are still afraid of vaccinations. There are also mothers who stop breastfeeding too early and replace it with sweetened condensed milk. These are issues we must address together because they directly affect the future of our children," he stressed.
He expressed hope that, in the future, the activities of Majelis Taklim would not only focus on religious education but would also regularly include public health awareness programs aimed at improving the overall quality of life of the community.
Rico Waas also encouraged every Majelis Taklim to establish a clear organizational identity by developing distinctive program priorities. With a large number of Majelis Taklim operating across Medan, he said each organization should focus on specific areas to strengthen its identity while delivering meaningful contributions to society.
"In Medan, there are many Majelis Taklim. Therefore, each organization should have its own identity, whether by focusing on women's empowerment, child protection, family economic development, or other community-related issues. A strong organizational identity will make the institution more meaningful and increase its contribution to the community," he said.
He also reminded organization leaders to use anniversary celebrations as an opportunity to formulate future work plans rather than merely holding ceremonial events.
According to Rico Waas, a simple working meeting that produces concrete action plans is far more valuable than a purely symbolic celebration.
"Take your anniversary as a momentum to prepare a work plan. Even if the meeting is modest, what matters is that it produces programs that can actually be implemented and provides a clear direction for the organization," he added.
As part of the city's efforts to strengthen community-based economic empowerment, Rico Waas also offered Majelis Taklim with suitable land access to catfish farming assistance. The Medan City Government will provide catfish fingerlings, technical guidance, and continuous mentoring to ensure the aquaculture projects are successfully implemented and capable of generating sustainable household income.
Meanwhile, Chairwoman of Majelis Taklim Ikhwanatul Jannah of Medan City, Nursafniaty, said the organization will celebrate its first anniversary and officially inaugurate its new executive board in July 2026. She expressed hope that Medan Mayor Rico Waas would be able to attend the event.
Nursafniaty also sought the Medan City Government's support for several community empowerment initiatives planned by the organization. The proposed programs include sewing and bead embroidery training for women, assistance in obtaining halal certification for members' products, hijab production programs for single mothers, as well as social services such as free circumcisions, health screenings, and the distribution of school supplies to orphaned children.
Through close collaboration between the Medan City Government and community organizations, various empowerment initiatives are expected to be implemented in a sustainable manner. The partnership is also expected to improve public welfare while enhancing the quality of human resources throughout Medan City. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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