EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SELANGOR — Enthusiasm for Eid al-Adha among Indonesia’s diaspora in Malaysia has grown sharply this year. It was marked by more worshippers entrusted their sacrificial offerings to Muhammadiyah Special Branch Board (PCIM) of Malaysia for the observance of 1447 Hijri/2026.
The increase reflects not only stronger participation from members of the Muhammadiyah community but also rising involvement from Indonesian diplomats and local Malaysian residents. Together, they have turned this year’s qurban program into a broader expression of social solidarity across national and community lines.
Among those participating was Mohammad Iman Hascarya Kusumo, Indonesia’s ambassador to Malaysia, who donated a cow through Muhammadiyah Malaysia’s qurban initiative at Falah Farm Field in Selangor.
Zeldi Suryady, Vice Chairperson of PCIM Malaysia and Chairperson of the 2026 qurban committee, welcomed the growing trust shown by the Indonesian community.
“Alhamdulillah, we have witnessed extraordinary enthusiasm,” he said. “Not only from Muhammadiyah members, but from Indonesians across Kuala Lumpur who have placed their trust in Muhammadiyah Malaysia. This is a major responsibility for us.”
He noted that participation from senior Indonesian diplomats carries significance beyond personal worship.
“The ambassador’s sacrifice represents not only an act of devotion,” he said, “but also a form of social care that strengthens humanitarian bonds between Indonesians and Malaysians who benefit from the program.”
Expanding Beyond the Indonesian Diaspora
This year’s program, however, did not unfold without challenges.
According to Zeldi, registration moved slowly during the early stages, raising concerns among organizers. Yet participation surged as the deadline approached, shifting anxiety into optimism.
“Honestly, leading this year’s committee felt like watching Real Madrid versus FC Barcelona, or the derby between Persib Bandung and Persija Jakarta,” he said with a laugh. “It was tense and full of anticipation until the final moments.”
More significantly, the program’s reach has extended beyond Indonesia’s expatriate population.
For the first time, several local Malaysians joined as shahibul qurban—donors who offered sacrificial animals through Muhammadiyah’s initiative.
“That is especially encouraging,” Suryady said. “It reflects successful outreach by our team and shows that Muhammadiyah’s social mission is gaining acceptance across communities.”
He described local participation as an important milestone.
“It means the message of qurban is no longer limited to Indonesians or Muhammadiyah members,” he said. “It is beginning to resonate with Malaysian society as well.”
Strengthening Cross-Border Cooperation
Zeldi also praised the support provided by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuala Lumpur, which helped promote the program among Indonesians living and working in Malaysia.
“The embassy serves as a central point for Indonesian citizens here,” he said. “Its support allowed us to reach a much wider audience.”
Looking ahead, organizers hope this year’s success will strengthen collaboration between Indonesian civic organizations in Malaysia and the Indonesian embassy.
Zeldi expressed optimism that these partnerships would deepen in the years ahead, ensuring that Muhammadiyah Malaysia’s qurban program continues to serve as both a religious observance and a bridge of compassion across borders.
