SLAWI (SUARABARU.ID) – The central government through the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia was asked to facilitate the development of religious-based tourist destinations such as Cikura in Tegal Regency, Central Java. “The At-Tauhidiyah Islamic Boarding School Cikura, Tegal Regency has long been a religious destination for thousands of pilgrims and in the context of hauling the legendary cleric KH Armia, currently requires a lot of attention, especially infrastructure,” said Deputy Chairman of Commission X DPR RI, Abdul Fikri Faqih, Thursday (15 /09/2022).
This was conveyed by Fikri when opening the Clean, Beautiful, Healthy and Safe Festival (BISA FEST) which was held by the Directorate of National and International Events, Deputy for Tourism Products and Event Organizers (Events) Kemenparekraf RI. This activity was themed ‘Santri Art and Culture Festival, Supporting Cikura Religious Tourism Village to enrich Cultural Treasures in the Archipelago’ at the At-Tauhidiyah Islamic Boarding School Cikura, Tegal Regency.
According to Fikri, religious tourism destinations are one alternative tourism that has multiple benefits for its devotees. “It is extraordinary that this religious tourism offers not only physical (physical) recreation, but also spirituality for its visitors, so that it is beneficial not only in the world, but in the hereafter, God willing,” said Fikri.
This santri festival displays a variety of cultural arts from students who have a strong Islamic breath, such as gambus sholawat, hadroh accompanied by tambourines, pencak silat and others.
Fikri highlighted that in terms of physical infrastructure, such as the access road to Ponpes At-Tauhidiyah, which began to need repairs at several points. “Especially during the KH Armia haul event, the Cikura Islamic Boarding School was attended by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from all over the archipelago, because the road was narrow, it took hours to arrive at the location,” he explained.
In addition, Fikri also suggested the construction of accommodation infrastructure such as lodging, restaurants and information centers such as museums to support the development of Cikura religious tourism destinations. “Support of all parties, including the community around the cottage, is needed, in addition to the great economic potential for the surrounding community,” he said.
The Head of the Youth, Sports and Tourism Office of Tegal Regency, Akhmad Uwes Qoroni, stated that his party supports the development of religious tourism destinations in Cikura, because it is in accordance with the direction of tourism development in Tegal Regency as stated in the Tegal Regency Tourism Development Master Plan (RIPK) for 2018-2025.
“Tourism development in Tegal Regency is carried out based on the principle of sustainable tourism development by prioritizing local wisdom as its development theme, oriented to efforts to increase job opportunities, reduce poverty, increase growth and preserve the environment, good governance, integrated cross-sectoral way. , across regions and across actors as well as encouraging public and private sector partnerships,” explained Uwes.
The Deputy Secretary for Tourism Products and Event Organizers (Events) of the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, Edy Wardoyo also revealed that his party will assist religious tourism destinations in terms of mentoring and strengthening tourist villages through training and joint consolidation between village communities, regional and central governments.
“Village tourism is the responsibility of its citizens, then the government just needs to encourage and facilitate, as well as promote, the community continues to be creative in developing the potential in their village, making tour packages, clean and comfortable homestays, typical culinary delights, and security for tourists,” said Edy.
Meanwhile, Pondok At-Tauhidiyah Cikura represented by the Head of Pondok, Ustadz Ma’moen expressed his gratitude for holding the Santri Cultural Arts Festival activities at his pesantren, and hoped that this activity would help promote the At-Tauhidiyah Islamic Boarding School to become one of the leading religious tourism destinations in Tegal Regency in particular. .
The At-Tauhidiyyah Islamic Boarding School itself was founded by KH Armia in 1880 in Cikura Village and is one of the oldest Islamic boarding schools in Tegal Regency. Until now the number of students reached thousands of people, both living and non-mukim.
Currently, At-Tauhidiyah Islamic Boarding School under the care of KH Ahmad Sa’idy bin KH Said bin KH Armia, is located in two places, namely Giren Islamic Boarding School and Cikura Islamic Boarding School. In the month of Muharram, Haul KH he is always crowded with Muslims from inside and outside the country. The haul is in memory of KH Armia’s struggle in broadcasting the Religion of Allah, especially the sciences of Tawheed.
In 2018, the Regent of Tegal issued a decree establishing the At-Tauhidiyah Islamic Boarding School in Cikura and Giren as religious tourism destinations in Tegal Regency.
Sutrisno
