Muhammadiyah has established a vast international network through its Muhammadiyah Special Branches (PCIMs) and Sister Organizations. Secretary-General of Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu’ti explained the distinction between the two.
PCIM operates under the direct authority of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah, following its regulations and legal framework. Sister Organizations, on the other hand, are operate under the laws of their host countries and establish their own leadership structures locally.
“The connection with Muhammadiyah lies in a shared ideology. For example, Muhammadiyah in Singapore is a legally independent entity, but we are bound by a common set of beliefs,” said Mu’ti in a podcast on Bimas Islam TV on Wednesday, June 26.
Currently, Muhammadiyah has had seven Sister Organizations spread across Southeast Asia and beyond, including Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam, and Mauritius.
Mu’ti further explained that some countries, like Malaysia, have both a sister organization and a PCIM. These regions may also have the ‘Aisyiyah Special Branch (PCIA), along with the Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah special sub-branches.
“Thailand, for instance, has both a special branch and a sister organization. Interestingly, the sister organization in Thailand is led by Prof. Winai Dahlan, the grandson of Kiai Ahmad Dahlan, the founder of Muhammadiyah. Winai Dahlan is a professor and a prominent figure at Chulalongkorn University,” said Mu’ti.
Meanwhile, PCIMs have flourished across 30 countries on five continents. Several of these PCIMs have successfully obtained legal recognition in their host countries.
The United States, Germany, Japan, and Australia are just a few examples of PCIMs that have established legal status under local laws. Notably, Muhammadiyah internationalization efforts extend beyond organizational structures. Muhammadiyah is also actively involved in educational initiatives, including the establishment of institutions abroad.
Mu’ti revealed that Muhammadiyah educational reach extends to Australia through Muhammadiyah Australia College (MAC). In Malaysia, there are three institutions: a kindergarten, a learning center, and a university, Universiti Muhammadiyah Malaysia (UMAM). Additionally, there are TK ‘Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal (TK ABA) kindergartens in both Egypt and Lebanon.
