Could a mosque become a training ground for other mosques? At Masjid At-Taubah in Batam, the answer is a resounding yes. In September 2021, Masjid At-Taubah hosted a Management Training program. This program, organized by the Forum Silaturrahim Penggerak Kemakmuran Masjid (FORSIL-PKM), aimed to empower other mosques in Batam. Masjid At-Taubah was chosen for a specific reason. Its remarkable growth, especially in education and da’wah (Islamic outreach), made it a shining example. The mosque’s efficient management, based on RENSTRA (Strategic Planning) and meticulous potential mapping, contributed to its success. Dr. Muh. Tahir, the Chairman of FORSIL-PKM, praised Masjid At-Taubah’s financial management, urging participants to learn from their model. The training covered various aspects of mosque management. These included strengthening the mosque’s vision and mission, effective management practices, and identifying the mosque’s potential. The training drew 30 participants from 15 mosques across Batam. They delved into mapping their mosque’s potential through discussions and filling out questionnaires. The theme, “With the Mosque, the Congregation Rises,” highlighted the goal of going beyond the basic prayers and Islamic holidays. The training encouraged mosques to leverage their potential. It showed them how to develop educational programs, da’wah initiatives, business ventures, and social activities. These activities would then contribute to the empowerment of the surrounding community. The Chairman of the At-Taubah Waqf Foundation and the Director of Education also attended the training. They emphasized the three crucial aspects of successful mosque management: Idharo (management), Imaroh (development), and Ri’ayah (maintenance). Masjid At-Taubah’s role as the host showcased its commitment to sharing best practices and fostering collaboration among mosques in Batam.
Museum Raja Ali Haji
Opened in 2020, the Museum Raja Ali Haji whispers tales of Batam’s transformation. This museum, named after the celebrated 19th-century