PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Muslims gathered and offered a joint prayer entitled "Istighotsah Kubro West Java" solemnly and solemnly in front of Gedung Sate, Jalan Diponegoro, Bandung City, Saturday (9/3/2024).

The West Java Provincial Government would like to express its highest thanks to the West Java MUI and the West Java National Amil Zakat Agency (BAZNAS), ulama, religious leaders, community leaders and the community who attended the istigasah.

Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin said that the implementation of "Istighotsah Kubro West Java" was a form of our collective prayers and hopes that West Java would continue to be under His protection.

"Hopefully all the good things we have done today will be worth the good deeds and result in benefits for the entire people of West Java," said Bey Machmudin in his speech which was read by Acting Asda I for Government and People's Welfare of West Java Province, Dodo Suhendar.

Behind its stunning natural beauty, West Java has the potential for disasters that need to be watched out for, be it floods, landslides, earthquakes or other natural disasters, so people are required to always be prepared and alert.

"Mitigation, response and recovery efforts must continue to be increased. Awareness of the importance of protecting the environment must continue to be a concern," said Dodo.

A number of clerics were also present at the joint prayer, including KH Abdullah Gymnastiar, Rafani Akhyar, Ajam Mustajam, Ii Abdul Basith and enlivened by the presence of musician Armand Maulana.

"Along with the potential for disaster in West Java, weather conditions at the peak of the rainy season like now and the issue of climate change are increasingly becoming challenges that we must face wisely and responsively," he added.

Dodo also invited the public to pray together and unite their hearts so that West Java becomes a superior province and a conducive, safe and comfortable place to live.

"Through the spirit of togetherness, God willing, West Java will continue to progress and develop. Hopefully the istigasah kubra that we carried out this morning will be a means of strengthening our faith and piety to Allah SWT as well as being a momentum for introspection and self-improvement for all of us," he said.

Bey Machmudin in his speech also congratulated the holy month of Ramadan 1445 Hijriah which was full of blessings.

He advised that differences might occur in determining the start of the month of Ramadan due to differences in methods of reckoning or observing the moon.

Bey advised society to always prioritize mutual respect and tolerance between fellow Muslims so that this becomes an opportunity to strengthen unity, brotherhood and togetherness.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the West Java MUI, Rachman Syafe'i, said that one of the aims of istigasah kubra, namely unity and integrity in order to face the month of Ramadan.

"We hope that the ties of friendship between us ahead of Ramadan will receive blessings from Allah SWT and blessings that will in time gain specialness and tranquility," said Rachman.