MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Muhammadiyah has entered its 113th year with a continuously growing spirit of progress. The organization has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its strategic role on a global level.
This was conveyed by the General Secretary of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah (PP Muhammadiyah), who is also Indonesia’s Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti on Sunday (23/11) during the Muhammadiyah 113th Anniversary Celebration held by the Muhammadiyah Regional Board of Jakarta (PWM DKI Jakarta).
“Muhammadiyah continues to grow, not only as a national movement, but, alhamdulillah, as an international movement,” he stated.
Muhammadiyah is increasingly establishing itself as an influential national movement. It is also strengthening its presence as an international movement that continues to gain recognition.
Furthermore, the number of Muhammadiyah Branches and Sub-branches across Indonesia has continued to rise over the past few years. This fact has led Abdul Mu’ti to question surveys that mention a decline in membership numbers.
Overseas, Muhammadiyah now has 31 Special Branch Boards (PCIM) in various countries. Timor Leste became the newest branch, marking Muhammadiyah’s global expansion.
Mu’ti explained that PCIM Timor Leste has shown strong enthusiasm in advancing Muhammadiyah’s mission. Its members even proposed a change of name to become a sister organization equivalent to Muhammadiyah Singapore.
PCIM Timor Leste has also requested Muhammadiyah to establish a school in the country. This request was welcomed by the Central Board of Muhammadiyah, who expressed readiness to realize the proposal with the support of Muhammadiyah’s extensive network.
“In the past, when they were still part of Indonesia, we only needed to inaugurate the Muhammadiyah Regional Board (PWM) Timor-Timur at that time. But then, they separated from Indonesia and they have remained committed to advancing Muhammadiyah, and we have now officially established PCIM Timor Leste,” he explained.
Beyond organizational matters, Muhammadiyah also has strong ties with Timor Leste figures, including Hulio Pinto, a presidential advisor who is an alumnus of the Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM).
Significant development is also shown by PCIM Malaysia, which has successfully obtained recognition and legal status in Malaysia. This branch offers Rumah Hamka as a transit place for Muhammadiyah members visiting the country.
Expansion is also ongoing in Australia. One example is the Muhammadiyah Australia College (MAC), which has grown rapidly and has become a destination for visits by national leaders.
“We are looking for land or facilities that can be purchased; Muhammadiyah will buy them for the development of Muhammadiyah Australia College in the state of New South Wales. We are currently searching for the land. God willing, the funds are already available,” stated Mu’ti.
On this occasion, PP Muhammadiyah expressed appreciation to the Australian government for fully supporting MAC with 100% funding. Muhammadiyah hopes that Indonesia can adopt similar policies so that organizational contributions toward national education can become even more optimal. (Bintang Adrian)
