Serang – The Minister of Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia conducted a friendly visit with the General Chairman of the Executive Board of Mathla’ul Anwar in Serang, Banten.

In the warm and cordial meeting, the Minister expressed his readiness to contribute, synergize, and strengthen the role of Mathla’ul Anwar in national development, particularly in the fields of education and social community services.

The Minister, born in Pandeglang Banten, conveyed his appreciation for Mathla’ul Anwar’s efforts and its significant contributions in education, preaching, and social community services since its establishment in 1916.

In the meeting with the General Chairman and his staff, he also explained the duties he carries as Minister of Transmigration. According to him, the government’s current concept of transmigration is not merely about relocating people to various regions, but about shifting growth by building economic and educational centers.

“The goal is to improve the quality of life for the community, including through the development of universities in transmigration areas,” said the Minister.

He also recalled his experience when he first visited the Mathla’ul Anwar University (UNMA) in Banten in 1999, while participating in student activities. He mentioned that this experience created an emotional bond that strengthened his closeness to Mathla’ul Anwar.

Meanwhile, the General Chairman stated that Mathla’ul Anwar belongs to the community, not to individuals, and is always open to anyone who wants to strive together.

This spirit of openness was also emphasized by the Chairman of the Trustee Council, who reminded that since its founding on July 10, 1916, Mathla’ul Anwar was built for the benefit of the community.

On the same occasion, the Vice Chairman of the Trustee Council added that there are many points of similarity between the values brought by the Minister and the vision of Mathla’ul Anwar.

According to him, the Minister of Transmigration’s concern for Mathla’ul Anwar is a tangible recognition that this Islamic mass organization remains an inclusive platform for education, preaching, and social service.

The meeting, also attended by several executive members, concluded with the handover of the Mathla’ul Anwar founder’s book to the Minister and a joint prayer that the synergy between the government and Mathla’ul Anwar would bring the greatest benefit to the community, nation, and state.

Mathla’ul Anwar, which is based in Pandeglang Banten, now has representatives in 32 provinces, including West Kalimantan and Papua. The Islamic mass organization also manages around 2,000 educational institutions, from elementary and secondary levels to higher education, namely the Mathla’ul Anwar University (UNMA) in Banten.

Mathla’ul Anwar

Mathla’ul Anwar is a major Islamic mass organization in Indonesia, founded in 1916. It was established by influential clerics to advance Islamic education and social welfare among the populace during the Dutch colonial period. Today, it operates a vast network of schools, universities, and charitable institutions across the country.

Serang

Serang is the capital city of Indonesia’s Banten province, located on the island of Java. Historically, it was the center of the Banten Sultanate, a powerful Islamic kingdom and a major pepper trading port that rivaled Dutch-controlled Batavia (Jakarta) in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, it serves as a regional administrative hub with nearby historical sites like the ruins of the Surosowan Palace.

Banten

Banten is a historic port city and former sultanate located on the northwest coast of Java, Indonesia. It was a major center for the pepper trade and a powerful Islamic kingdom in the 16th and 17th centuries. Its rich history is reflected in the ruins of the Surosowan Palace and the Great Mosque of Banten, which remain as important cultural landmarks.

Pandeglang

Pandeglang is a regency in Banten Province, Indonesia, historically significant as part of the Banten Sultanate, a powerful Islamic kingdom and a major trading hub from the 16th to 19th centuries. Today, it is best known as the gateway to Ujung Kulon National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the last refuge of the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros.

Mathla’ul Anwar University

Mathla’ul Anwar University is an Islamic university in Indonesia, founded in 1986 by the mass Muslim organization Persatuan Umat Islam (PUI). It was established to provide higher education that integrates Islamic values with general sciences, continuing the educational legacy of its parent organization which has roots in early 20th-century Islamic reform movements.

UNMA

I am unable to identify a specific place or cultural site known as “UNMA.” This acronym could refer to several different organizations or concepts, but none are widely recognized as a physical location with a notable history. Could you please provide more context or clarify the name?

West Kalimantan

West Kalimantan is a province on the Indonesian part of Borneo, historically known for its sultanates and as a major source of gold and diamonds. Its cultural landscape is deeply shaped by the indigenous Dayak peoples and a significant population of ethnic Chinese migrants, whose history there dates back centuries. The capital, Pontianak, sits directly on the equator and was founded as a Malay trading post in the 18th century.

Papua

Papua is the easternmost region of Indonesia, comprising the western half of New Guinea island. It is known for its immense cultural diversity, with over 250 distinct indigenous tribes, and its vast tracts of pristine tropical rainforest. Historically, the territory was known as Dutch New Guinea until it was incorporated into Indonesia in the 1960s.