NORTH KALIMANTAN — The Mayor of Tarakan, Dr. H Khairul, officially inaugurated the Nusantara Ramah Lansia (Nurani) School, which was initiated by MPZ Dompet Dhuafa Yayasan Almarhamah Indonesia on Sunday (7/9/2025). The event, which took place at Almarhamah, was also an important moment for the Elderly Care Program in North Kalimantan.
In his speech, the Mayor of Tarakan expressed his appreciation and gratitude to MPZ Dompet Dhuafa Yayasan Almarhamah Indonesia and other parties involved, including Pemuda ICMI Kaltara and Yayasan Indonesia Ramah Lansia.
Khairul considered this program to be a fresh idea that had never been implemented before in Tarakan. According to him, the existence of a senior citizens’ school can serve as a platform for empowerment so that the elderly community can remain healthy, active, and productive.
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“With this program, elderly people can remain empowered despite their advanced age. They can continue to work and contribute,” he said.
Khairul also mentioned the increase in the life expectancy of Indonesians. This condition is expected to increase the elderly population in the next few years.
“The productive age group and the elderly are equally important to pay attention to. If both are balanced, then urban development can be better,” he explained.
The successful implementation of the Nurani Elderly School, which is a breakthrough in community empowerment, cannot be separated from the active role of Islamic philanthropy. MPZ Dompet Dhuafa Yayasan Almarhamah, as the initiator, emphasizes that programs such as the Elderly School are a tangible manifestation of how infaq and alms funds can be allocated to expand benefits and support sustainable social development.
In addition, the Tarakan City Government is committed to supporting similar programs through collaboration with various elements of society. According to the government, the success of a social program is not only determined by the government, but also by community involvement. This activity is also part of Tarakan’s efforts to become an elderly-friendly city. The mayor hopes that the Elderly School Program can be expanded so that its benefits can be felt by more people.
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The existence of the Nurani Elderly School is a clear example that the optimization of religious social funds, if managed professionally, can be realized through innovative programs that not only focus on the productive age group, but also pay attention to the quality of life of the elderly, in line with Tarakan’s efforts to become an elderly-friendly city.
The series of events marking the inauguration of Nurani School concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a joint prayer, attended by the first batch of elderly participants of Nurani Elderly School. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: MPZ Dompet Dhuafa
Editor: Ronna