MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, AUSTRALIA – The President of ‘Aisyiyah Salmah Orbayinah, along with a delegation from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), visited Australia from May 1 to 3, 2025. During their visit, they met with members of the Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Special Branches (PCIM-PCIA) of Australia to strengthen connections and support the growing presence of Muhammadiyah abroad.
The delegation included faculty members Ingenida Hadning, Hari Widada, Pinasti Utami, M. Thesa Gozali, and Puguh Novi Arsita, as well as Sarah Disa Khoirunnisa from University Hospital of Universitas Gadjah Mada (RSA UGM). They were warmly welcomed by Muhammadiyah members in Australia, including PCIM Chairperson Hamim Jufri and PCIA Chairperson Rina Febrina Sarie.
Salmah praised the work of Muhammadiya members in Australia, especially the establishment of Muhammadiyah Australia College (MAC), which she described as a proud achievement and an example of Muhammadiyah global mission.
“MAC is a real example of Muhammadiyah internationalization, made possible through the incredible collaboration of our members here in Australia. We need to take care of this achievement and continue to develop it, so it can provide quality education based on progressive Islamic values,” said Salmah.
Salmah and the delegation also visited MAC in person. Located in Melton, Victoria, MAC is the first Indonesian school operating in Australia. They were received by Principal Roszana Ramli and the school’s teaching staff, who shared updates on MAC’s progress.
Roszana explained that the school has received strong support from the local city government, the state of Victoria, and the Australian federal government.
“Because we follow the law and respect local customs, MAC receives annual funding from the government to help with operations,” said Roszana.
MAC currently receives around IDR 35 billion in government funding each year. In May, it received an additional IDR 38 billion in support.
“This shows the Victorian Government’s commitment to supporting inclusive and multicultural education run by Muhammadiyah,” added Roszana.
Encouraged by this support, Salmah invited PCIM and PCIA to consider starting other social initiatives in Australia, such as a healthcare clinic. Both leaders welcomed the idea, especially since education and healthcare have been key parts of Muhammadiyah mission since it was founded by Ahmad Dahlan.
