MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA — Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan paid a visit to the Headquarter of Muhammadiyah Central Board (PP Muhammadiyah) on Thursday (18/12). The visit was received by Anwar Abbas, Chairperson of PP Muhammadiyah.
During the meeting, Helmi Hasan stated that Bengkulu Province operates Bank Bengkulu (BPD Bengkulu), a regional development bank whose financial condition is considered sound and stable. The provincial government, he added, is committed to establishing a Sharia Business Unit (Unit Usaha Syariah/UUS) as part of broader efforts to strengthen the regional sharia economic and financial ecosystem.
According to Helmi, collaboration with Muhammadiyah is highly strategic, given the organization’s long standing experience, extensive national network, and strong track record in managing education, healthcare, and community-based economic initiatives. He expressed hope that Muhammadiyah could become a key partner in the development of sharia-based financing, particularly in the education and healthcare sectors, as well as in Hajj and Umrah-related business services.
The proposed sharia financing schemes, Helmi explained, are intended to support stronger funding mechanisms for schools, hospitals, and Hajj and Umrah services. He also underscored the importance of human resource development, especially through specialized education in business and management, to prepare competent professionals capable of supporting sharia banking operations and strengthening the broader community economy.
Chair of PP Muhammadiyah Anwar Abbas welcomed the proposal for cooperation. He emphasized that Muhammadiyah would conduct a comprehensive internal review involving relevant leaders and institutions within the organization to formulate strategic steps aligned with Muhammadiyah’s mission and values.
The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to encourage the strengthening and restructuring of Bank Bengkulu toward a more competitive sharia banking model, with the aim of contributing meaningfully to regional economic development and broader benefit. (Rosti) (Translated by Bintang Adrian)
