MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID MAKASSAR – The Central Board of ‘Aisyiyah (PPA) held the National Consolidation Meeting of the Health Council Batch 5 for the Sulawesi and Gorontalo Regions at Muhammadiyah University of Makassar (Unismuh) on Saturday-Sunday, 25–26 October 2025. The event served as a moment of reflection and acceleration for ‘Aisyiyah’s health da’wah programs as the organization nears the end of its leadership term.
The meeting was officially opened by Siti Noordjannah Djohantini, President of PP ‘Aisyiyah, at the Balai Sidang Muktamar 47 on the Unismuh Makassar campus. In her remarks, Noordjannah emphasized the importance of strengthening women’s independence and collective spirit in advancing public health.
“The acceleration of health da’wah relies on the independence of sincerity of our cadres. This nation needs human resources who are willing to work together, to look around, and to help others,” she said.
Noordjannah added that this national consolidation also served as a moment to reflect on the progress of Muktamar decisions halfway through the term. She noted that strengthening health da’wah should focus on critical and remote regions, and she praised South Sulawesi for its rapidly growing network of health institutions under ‘Aisyiyah’s management.
Meanwhile, Warsiti, Chair of the Health Council of PP ‘Aisyiyah, explained that the forum aims to formulate strategies for accelerating da’wah health actions through 2026.
“We want the ‘Aisyiyah health da’wah program to become more focused, measurable, and responsive to grassroots health challenges,” she said.
Mahmudah, Chairperson of the South Sulawesi Provincial Board of ‘Aisyiyah, expressed gratitude and pride that South Sulawesi was chosen to host the national forum. She reaffirmed the region’s commitment to becoming a pioneer in strengthening ‘Aisyiyah’s health services.
“We are deeply grateful for the trust given by the Central Board. This is both an honor and challenge for us to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of health da’wah,” she said.
Mahmudah also highlighted the broad reach of ‘Aisyiyah’s institutions in the region, from the kindergartens and orphanages to madrasahs and women’s higher education institutions such as ‘Aisyiyah of South Sulawesi Insitute (INASS).
“‘Aisyiyah’s enterprises in South Sulawesi have become a driving force for national development. Through education and health services, we continue to provide solutions for the community,” she added, drawing warm applause from participants.
Muhammad Syaiful Saleh, Vice Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Provincial Board of South Sulawesi, stressed the importance of synergy between Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah in strengthening health da’wah.
‘This theme of leadership strengthening for accelerating health da’wah is vital. I encourage ‘Aisyiyah’s leaders to not only support Muhammadiyah but also to focus on strengthening their own organization,” he said, prompting laughter from the audience.
Syaiful also appreciated the active role of women cadres in advancing health initiatives and urged continued collaboration.
“Congratulations on this national consolidation. May its outcomes become tangible contributions to the progress of our collective health da’wah,” he said.
In his welcoming remarks, Abdul Rakhim Nanda, Rector of Unismuh Makassar, expressed his appreciation for being entrusted to host the national event. He emphasized that the university serves not only as an educational institution but also as a center for humanitarian da’wah and social collaboration.
“We are honored that Unismuh has become the gathering place for ‘Aisyiyah health da’wah cadres. This represents our university’s real contribution to humanitarian service and knowledge-based da’wah movement,” he said.
Rakhim noted that Unismuh Makassar has increasingly become a hub for Muhammadiyah activities in eastern Indonesia.
“Almost every month, we host national-level Muhammadiyah events. Next month, we’ll welcome programs from Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center and the Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development,” he said.
He closed his remarks emotionally after hearing students from INASS perform the ‘Aisyiyah March.
“I know this song by heart, and every time I hear it, I feel deeply moved. It reminds me that heaven lies at a mother’s feet,” he said with a trembling voice.
This event was also attended by provincial leaders of Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah from across Sulawesi, representatives from the Ministry of Health, and local health officials.
Inauguration of Five New ‘Aisyiyah Clinics in South Sulawesi
During the event, the Health Council of PP ‘Aisyiyah officially inaugurated five new ‘Aisyiyah clinics across South Sulawesi: in Gowa, Banteng, Sidrap, Pinrang, and Enrekang. The inauguration followed earlier consolidation result, where PP ‘Aisyiyah had targeted the strengthening of health services in potential regions.
“South Sulawesi has tremendous potential, with 14 Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah universities. This potential must be multiplied to expand the impact of health da’wah across the region,” said Noordjannah.
Elvieda Sariwati, Director of Health Promotion and Community Empowerment at the Indonesian Ministry of Health, who attended as keynote speaker, commended ‘Aisyiyah’s long-standing partnership with the government. She noted that ‘Aisyiyah plays a crucial role in promoting healthy living behaviors through preventive and promotive movements.
“Aisyiyah has been our strategic partner in TB programs, immunization, and health education. Going forward, this collaboration will be vital to reduce maternal mortality, stunting, and to improve public health literacy,” Elvida stated.
Makassar marked the fifth stop of the series of National Consolidation held by the Health Council of PP A’isyiyah across various regions. Following makassar, similar events will continue in Riau and Surabaya, before concluding at Muhammadiyah University of Palembang.
The event concluded with a group photo session, symbolizing a renewed spirit for advancing ‘Aisyiyah’s health da’wah movement in eastern Indonesia. (Bintang Adrian)
