MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — Dominic Jermey, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor Leste, visited the Integrated Campus of Madrasah Mu’allimin Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta in Sedayu on Thursday (9/4).
During the visit, he presented the Gold Medal of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award to sixth-grade cadre students of Mu’allimin. The recognition marked a significant milestone for the institution.
The event, titled Award in Action, brought together representatives from the British Embassy, Muhammadiyah’s Central Board represented by Bachtiar Dwi Kurniawan, and the school’s director, Mhd. Lailan Arqam. Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Yogyakarta and Bantul, members of the Indonesian National Army and Police, as well as invited guests, were also in attendance. Teachers and students of Mu’allimin participated in the program as well.
In his remarks, Jermey emphasized the crucial role of young people in addressing global challenges. He noted that today’s youth carry a significant responsibility to drive positive change in the future.
At the same time, he praised Muhammadiyah and Mu’allimin for their consistent commitment to character education. According to him, strong character forms the essential foundation for young people to grow and contribute meaningfully to society.
Strengthening Global Ties through Youth Development
Jermey also highlighted the importance of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award as a platform for strengthening ties between Indonesia and the United Kingdom, particularly in youth capacity building. He described the program as a valuable form of collaboration that nurtures leadership, resilience, and global awareness among participants.
The event began with a ceremonial welcome for the ambassador delegation, accompanied by a performance from the school’s marching band unit, Pasukan Genderang Terpompet (PGT). This was followed by a martial arts demonstration from Tapak Suci Putera Muhammadiyah Unit OO9, showcasing the students’ discipline and physical training.
Mhd. Lailan Arqam, Director of Mu’allimin Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, stated that the achievement of the Gold Medal reflects the high quality of Mu’allimin’s students, who are capable of competing on an international stage. Furthermore, he noted that this accomplishment reinforces the institution’s position as a globally oriented cadre education center.
Finally, at the conclusion of the events, the school emphasized that its educational programs align closely with the framework of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. The framework focuses on four main pillars: service, skills development, physical recreation, and adventurous journey.
This alignment, school officials explained, is reflected in Mu’allimin’s long standing emphasis on leadership training, community services, independence building, and physical and mental strengthening. It has been the hallmark of its cadre-based education system.
