Pendampingan Program Pemberdayaan Keagamaan Masyarakat melalui Peran Kepala KUA di Kecamatan Sukamantri Kabupaten Ciamis

Abstract

The Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) serves as the frontline of the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ services, interacting directly with the community in various aspects of religious life. However, limited resources have caused the KUA to face various challenges, such as insufficient support for mosques, a lack of public awareness regarding moral conduct, and a decline in marriage services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to uncover the role of the KUA in the religious empowerment of the community in Sukamantri Subdistrict, Ciamis Regency. The study employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data were collected through interviews and documentation from the KUA head, staff, and community members, supplemented by secondary data. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results indicate that the KUA plays an effective role in community religious empowerment through religious training and guidance programs. This success is supported by leadership that encompasses both administrative and social aspects. The obstacles faced include budget constraints, low community participation, a shortage of staff, and a lack of facilities and infrastructure. Nevertheless, the programs implemented have been able to raise public awareness of the importance of religious life.