EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, UNITED KINGDOM – British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor Leste, Dominic Jermey CVO OBE, has praised Muhammadiyah’s growth and role in advancing the internationalization of its movement.
Drawing on his experience of living and working in Indonesia, Jermey said he has been impressed by the growth of ties among communities across the country.
One example, he noted, is Muhammadiyah, which has established its special branch board in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Through the Muhammadiyah Special Branch Board in the UK and Ireland (PCIM UK and Ireland), Muhammadiyah became the first Indonesian organization to join the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), a network representing more than 500 mosques, educational institutions, charities, and professional organizations across Britain.
“This is an important milestone not only for Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian diaspora. This moment is also important for the growing relationship between Muslim communities in Indonesia and the UK,” Jermey said, according to a statement released Saturday (3/10).
Britain’s Growing Muslim Community
Jermey then ties Muhammadiyah’s milestone to the development of Muslim life in Britain. According to the 2021 Census, about 4.1 million people in the UK identified as Muslim. This number is making Islam the country’s second-largest religion after Christianity.
He highlighted the positive role played by Muslim organizations in British society. These groups help run schools, support families in need, provide social welfare services, and contribute to local communities. Taken together, he said, these contributions demonstrate the active role of Muslim communities in British public life today.
“These contributions can be seen in many different fields. Many Indonesians will know Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London. He heads one of the world’s most diverse cities, which is itself Britain’s most religiously diverse region. Right now, around 1.3 million Muslims is calling the city home,” he said.
Jermey also pointed to developments in the British sport scene, particularly in the Premier League. One figure he highlighted was Mohamed Salah. His achievements have made him one of the most admired footballers in the history of the Premier League.
“He received affection from supporters across Britain where millions admired him, first and foremost for his remarkable footballing ability, while also recognizing that his faith and identity were an important part of who he is,” said the Chelsea supporter, reflecting on Salah’s career following his move from Chelsea to Liverpool.
