MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, THAILAND – A historic initiative is being developed by the Muhammadiyah community in Thailand: the idea of establishing a “Kampung Indonesia” (Indonesian Village) in the Soi Samakkhi area, Nonthaburi.
The establishment of Kampung Indonesia is a strategic collaboration between the Special Branch Board of Muhammadiyah Thailand and Muhammadiyah Association of Thailand, aimed at strengthening both the Indonesian diaspora and the local community.
This program serves as a symbol of brotherhood collaboration between Muhammadiyah in Thailand and the local Muslim community. It will function as a hub for social, educational, and cultural interaction for the Indonesian diaspora in the Land of the White Elephant.
The idea emerged after Dr. Abdulhafiz Hile returned from an official visit to Indonesia on September 5-12, 2025, along with a delegation from the Muhammadiyah Association of Thailand and the Lukmanul Hakim Foundation.
During the visit, he strengthened partnerships with various Muhammadiyah educational institutions in Indonesia, including Muhammadiyah University of Ponorogo, the Muhammadiyah Museum, Ahmad Dahlan University, and the Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development of Muhammadiyah Central Board.
Upon his return to Bangkok, PCIM Thailand Chairman Andi Subhan Husain hosted a dinner and sharing session with Dr. Abdulhafiz Hile to welcome him and begin initial consolidation.
The warm atmosphere of the meeting became the spark for the ambitious idea of developing Kampung Indonesia in Thailand, a concept that blends the spirit of da’wah, empowerment, and intercultural engagement.
“This meeting marks the beginning of collaborative works between young diaspora members and Muhammadiyah figures in Thailand. Kampung Indonesia will become a symbolic space of togetherness that embodies the values of progressive Islam,” said Andi Subhan Husain.
The plan has reached the location survey phase, which was conducted on September 15, 2025. The survey involved local community leaders, including the President of the Muhammadiyah Association of Thailand, the Chairman of PCIM Thailand, the Research Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok, imams and administrators from Prasert Islam Mosque and Darul Muttakin Mosque (Soi Samakkhi), as well as local Muslim women’s group.
The Deputy Mayor of Nonthaburi Municipality also attended the survey. The Kampung Indonesia initiative received full support from the local community leaders and government representatives who envision it as a center for cultural exchange between Indonesia and Thailand, as well as community empowerment activities.
“We welcome this initiative. Kampung Indonesia will become a space for da’wah and brotherhood that benefits all ummah,” said Imam Yusuf of Prasert Islam Mosque.
Cultural Diplomacy and Progressive Da’wah
The Kampung Indonesia program, under the collaboration between PCIM Thailand and Muhammadiyah Association of Thailand, is expected to become an integrative model linking da’wah, education, and civil society diplomacy.
Beyond strengthening the Indonesian diaspora network in Thailand, the program also aims to introduce the values of Progressive Islam, foster intercultural relations, and empower Muslim communities as agents of peace and humanity in Southeast Asia.
The Kampung Indonesia initiative reflects Muhammadiyah’s adaptive, collaborative, and cosmopolitan spirit in presenting an inclusive face of islam amid global dynamics and diaspora life. (Bintang Adrian)
