MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Haedar Nashir, President of Muhammadiyah, praised the approach taken by the Provincial Board of Muhammadiyah of Bali in responding to the rare overlap of the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr and the Hindu Day of Silence, Nyepi.
The Provincial Board of Muhammadiyah Bali (PWM Bali) followed a joint guideline issued by the Forum Kerukunan Umat Beragama (FKUB), an interfaith council that promotes religious harmony. The directive outlined technical guidance for conducting takbir night, the chanting of praises to God that traditionally marks the eve of Eid.
According to Haedar, PWM Bali even encouraged members in Denpasar to limit public celebration this year. Many Muslims were advised to recite takbir quietly at home or within nearby mosques. This advice is an attempt to respect the observance of Nyepi.
“We received information from Bali that Muhammadiyah in Denpasar instructed its members not only to hold takbiran in mosques, but also, if possible this year, to perform it quietly at home without excessive public display,” Haedar said on Monday (16/3) at the Muhammadiyah Central Board Headquarter in Yogyakarta.
He described the arrangement as a strong example of interfaith harmony. At the same time, he noted that the Eid prayer could still be performed in an orderly manner. It becomes possible because local authorities and Muslim organizations had reached a mutual agreement on the arrangements.
“I think this is a very positive example,” he said.
Continuing Challenges in Education and Economic Welfare
While praising the spirit of tolerance demonstrated in Bali, Haedar added that Muhammadiyah continues to face several long-term challenges in Indonesia.
One major concern, he said, is the need to improve education and strengthen economic welfare within the broader Muslim community. These issues remain central to Muhammadiyah’s social agenda.
“Accelerating intellectual development through education is one of Muhammadiyah’s priorities,” he said, emphasizing the importance of building centers of excellence in education.
He explained that educational challenges often intersect with health and social conditions. Communities with lower literacy levels frequently experience broader social and environmental hardship.
“As long as many Muslims continue to struggle economically, it will affect other aspects of life,” Haedar said. “Therefore, Muhammadiyah must continue developing economic initiatives that aim to improve the welfare of grassroots communities.”
Consequently, the organization supports government policies designed to strengthen the economy, particularly programs that assist Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. These small businesses often represent the most vulnerable segment of the economic system.
Muhammadiyah has also encouraged policymakers to adopt more progressive strategies to empower small enterprises. However, Haedar noted that strengthening the sector requires sustained effort and coordinated policies over time.
