PDBN prepares "Demak Bangkit", the target of a large study to free 5-8 buses for homecoming

The Chairman of the PDBN Fathan Subchi asked Demak residents abroad - especially Jabodetabek - to unite and intervene to build their hometown. (IST)

JAKARTA - The Demak Bintoro Nusantara Association (PDBN) has started to lock in a more concrete agenda than just a reunion. PDBN General Chairman Fathan Subchi asked Demak residents abroad - especially Jabodetabek - to unite and intervene to build their hometown, with a measurable program.

The invitation was conveyed by Fathan during a meeting and opening of Ramadan 2026 at the BPK RI official residence, South Jakarta, Monday (23/2). The event was attended by the PDBN Jabodetabek management, regional representatives, and elders of the organization.

PDBN said that this annual agenda had also been filled with orphans. For 2026, PDBN is preparing free homecoming for Demak migrants with 5-8 buses, and is planning a halal bihalal in Ancol, North Jakarta.

Fathan emphasized that the contribution of the people of Demak did not need to wait for a position or a big project. "Our actions, our participation, our commitment... all can contribute in any form," he said. He encouraged the strengthening of regional potential - from agriculture, education, livestock, marine to tourism - so that it has an impact on welfare.

He also emphasized that the PDBN must be a booster of synergy with the Demak Regency Government. "Working together produces formulas and concrete work that we can see. There is no need to ignore what is not important," said Fathan, who is also a member of VI BPK RI.

At the same forum, the Rector of the Open University, Prof. Ali Muktiyanto, was appointed as the PDBN coordinator for "Demak Bangkit". On that occasion, he stated that this time the mandate was to prepare a comprehensive study as the basis for a major strategy. The focus includes mapping the conditions of Demak (environmental scanning and SWOT), drafting visions and strategies, roadmaps, to quick win programs and long-term plans in the education, agriculture, livestock, marine, and tourism sectors.

"The results of the study will be sanctioned by snowballing to figures, religious leaders, PDBN managers, and ultimately to the Demak Regency Government," said Ali.

Ali also proposed the idea of a "modern agricultural academy" to train millennial farmers, including the option of a college based on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Art (STEMA). He called Demak's potential as a large agricultural area with the support of Kedung Ombo irrigation to raise Demak's position as a center of food security. The big targets that are starting to be inventoried include integrated education, flagship commodities, modernization of fisheries, connectivity of religious-agro-sea-heritage tourism, as well as flagship investment and industries.