Deputy Regent of Natuna, Jarmin, had the opportunity to attend the Closing Ceremony of the Muhibbah Ramadhan Visit in Pulau Tiga and Pulau Tiga Barat Districts on Monday night (March 17).
Accompanying him were several regional officials, including members of the Riau Islands Provincial DPRD representing Natuna-Anambas, members of the Natuna Regency DPRD, representatives from Forkopimda, leaders of vertical institutions, the Regional Secretary, and most heads of Regional Government Organizations within the Natuna Regency Government.
The event, held at Al Hikmah Mosque in Pulau Tiga Village, Pulau Tiga Barat District, was also attended by the sub-district heads and village heads from both districts, as well as Muhibbah Visit delegations from 11 mosques across all villages in Pulau Tiga and Pulau Tiga Barat Districts.
In his speech, the Deputy Regent expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to visit and connect with the community during this annual Muhibbah Visit Closing Ceremony.
Jarmin acknowledged that the regional economic circulation remains unstable, mainly due to delayed revenue-sharing fund (DBH) allocations and other budget sources that have yet to be disbursed by both the Riau Islands Provincial Government (IDR 17.5 billion) and the central government (IDR 78 billion).
He noted that these delays have significantly impacted the regional economy. However, he urged the community to remain patient, as similar financial challenges are also being experienced by several other regencies and cities across Indonesia.
Additionally, Jarmin emphasized that budget efficiency measures are part of a structured directive from the President of Indonesia, affecting all levels of government institutions. As a result, budget cuts in several areas have become necessary.
Despite this, the regional government will reassess previous efficiency measures, including reallocating funding for places of worship, which had been subject to budget cuts.
During the event, Jarmin sought the prayers and support of the attendees for the smooth progress and success of the movement to establish the Special Province of Natuna and Anambas.
He explained that, thanks to four years of persistent efforts, the movement has started to show results, including official recommendations from both the Governor of Riau Islands and the Riau Islands Provincial DPRD in support of the proposal.
Furthermore, next month (April), the Natuna Regency Government plans to invite members of the Indonesian DPR (House of Representatives) responsible for regional expansion to discuss the matter further. The DPRD members from the Anambas Islands Regency will also be invited to participate in the discussions.
The regional government continues to push for the formation of the Special Province of Natuna and Anambas, as this change in status would ensure a more focused allocation of revenue-sharing funds for both regions. Additionally, several new regencies would be established, creating more employment opportunities for the local community.
On the same occasion, Pulau Tiga Barat Sub-District Head, Junaidi, expressed his gratitude to the Deputy Regent of Natuna and his entourage for attending the event.
Junaidi explained that the background of this activity was based on several factors, including the legacy of the elders, the decision from a joint meeting between sub-district heads, village heads, Village Consultative Body (BPD) members, and representatives of places of worship from both Pulau Tiga and Pulau Tiga Barat Districts. Additionally, the event schedule was coordinated with the Religious Affairs Division of the Natuna Regional Secretariat and adjusted to align with the regional leaders’ official agendas.
The primary objectives of this initiative are to strengthen faith and piety, foster Islamic brotherhood and unity, and cultivate the spiritual character of the Muslim community. (Pro_kopim/Patli)
RILIS PERS, Number : 0455/PRO_KOPIM/2025
