MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – The Central Board of Muhammadiyah (PP Muhammadiyah) on Wednesday (22/10) received a courtesy visit from Cambodian Senior Minister in Charge of Special Mission Islamic Affairs, Oknha Datuk Othsman Hassan, at the Muhammadiyah headquarters in Jakarta. The meeting discussed potential collaboration in the field of education between Muhammadiyah and Cambodia’s Muslim community.
The visit was warmly welcomed by secretary of PP Muhammadiyah, Izzul Muslimin, along with the Chairman of the Department of Hajj and Umrah, Muhammad Ziyad.
“We are seeking support from Muhammadiyah, perhaps to see how we can assist the Muslim community in Cambodia, especially in education. And maybe Muhammadiyah can also consider what could be developed there,” said Othsman in Malay.
According to Othsman, Muhammadiyah is widely known for its excellence in education, particularly in higher education, which prompted his interest in establishing formal cooperation.
“So, God willing, we hope that from today’s discussion, something concrete will come out,” he added optimistically.
Muhammad Ziyad confirmed that the main purpose of the Cambodian delegation’s visit was to explore educational partnerships, especially opportunities for Cambodian Muslim students to study at Muhammadiyha-’Aisyiyah Universities (PTMA) in Indonesia.
“He has learned that many students from Thailand have received scholarships to study at Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah Universities. Therefore, he strongly hopes Cambodian students can have the same opportunity,” explained Ziyad.
Ziyad also emphasized Muhammadiyah’s open commitment to providing educational opportunities for Muslim communities from various countries. To date, Muhammadiyah has offered scholarships to students from Thailand, the Philippines, Timor Leste, Laos, and other neighboring nations.
“This is a golden opportunity and, at the same time, a responsibility for Muhammadiyah to contribute to global benefit,” Ziyad affirmed.
“We welcome this initiative with joy, and, God willing, it will soon be realized in the near future,” he concluded. (Bintang Adrian)
