Longstanding Relations between Iran and Indonesia Serve as a Strong Motive for the Revival of the PCIM of Iran

MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, TEHRAN – Iran and Indonesia have historical relations in social fields, culture, religion, and Islamic studies. Both countries also possess history during the struggle for independence. Noticing the history, Muhammadiyah revived the Muhammadiyah Special Branch (PCIM) of Iran.

“Indeed, Muhammadiyah is now focusing on internationalization programs and expand networks overseas,” said the General Secretary of Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu’ti at the inauguration of the PCIM of Iran 2023-2025.

The PCIM of Iran was the second oldest Muhammadiyah special branch, established in 2005, following the PCIM of Egypt, founded in 2002. With the revival of the PCIM of Iran, Muhammadiyah has 30 special branches.

Moreover, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Indonesia to Iran H.E. Mr. Ronny Prasetyo Yuliantoro mentioned that Iran and Indonesia have longstanding relations spanning hundreds of years. Therefore, the reactivation of the PCIM of Iran would further strengthen the harmonious relations between the two nations. The Indonesian Embassy stands ready to facilitate PCIM’s activities.

Furthermore, the Chair of the PCIM of Iran 2023-2025 Syahrul Ramadhan mentioned that Muhammadiyah relations with Iran commenced with an intellectual exchange between K.H. Ahmad Dahlan and a Persian scholar Jamaluddin Al-Afghani and involvement Muhammadiyah cadre H.M. Rasjidi, who served as the Indonesian Ambassador to Iran in 1952.

Syahrul also mentioned eight programs of the PCIM of Iran 2023-2025, namely 1) fostering cooperation between Muhammadiyah universities and Iranian universities, 2) supporting the development of students studying in Iran, 3) establishing Lazismu (the Muhammadiyah zakat body) to facilitate Muhammadiyah philanthropic activities, 4) publishing books and translations, 5) facilitating collaboration in healthcare technology, 6) introducing Indonesian Islam and the progressive Islam (Islam Berkemajuan) of Muhammadiyah, 7) distributing skillful Muhammadiyah cadres in Iran to Muhammadiyah, and 8) aspiring to establish Muhammadiyah educational institutions in Iran.