MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MYANMAR – Muhammadiyah has continued its commitment to international humanitarian work by supporting earthquake recovery efforts in Myanmar. Through Muhammadiyah Aid, the organization carried out a follow-up assessment to better understand the needs of affected communities and plan mid-term recovery programs.
The assessment found urgent needs in education and worship facilities. Fifteen mosques and several Islamic schools (madrasahs) were damaged and now require rebuilding, including repairs to infrastructure and supporting facilities. Economic recovery is also a major concern, especially for families whose small businesses were disrupted by the disaster.
To adapt to local conditions, Muhammadiyah is working closely with Phoenix Association, a local organization helping with assessments, permits, and communication with residents. This partnership has been crucial for understanding the area’s complex social and security situation.
However, the team has faced several challenges. Internet access and communication are limited, and Indonesian phone numbers do not work in the area due to roaming restrictions. The team must use VPNs to access social media. In addition, any official visit requires government permission, which must be submitted at least a month in advance.
Given these challenges, Muhammadiyah believes strong cooperation with trustworthy local partners is key to making their response effective and accountable.
“We are aware that involving local partners is crucial. They help us understand the local context, manage permits, and connect with the community,” said Syahri Ramadhan, a representative of the Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC).
“Muhammadiyah will continue working with local organizations that have formal legal status and good governance,” added Syahri Ramadhan.
Muhammadiyah sees that the needs of affected communities are still very high, especially in rebuilding schools, mosques, and helping families recover economically. The organization encourages ongoing support from the public to continue helping these communities rebuild their lives.
This humanitarian mission in Myanmar is part of Muhammadiyah international efforts as directed by the Muktamar (Muhammadiyah congress) results and shows its strong commitment to global solidarity and disaster response.
