MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, KUALA LUMPUR – The dynamism of Muhammadiyah extends beyond borders, with the Muhammadiyah Special Branch of Malaysia (PCIM Malaysia) playing a pivotal role in bridging education and community service. The organization facilitates meaningful engagements between Indonesian universities and migrant worker communities in Malaysia, fostering not only academic support but also cultural connection and social well-being.
On December 15, 2023, PCIM Malaysia facilitated a visit by lecturers from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences and the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka (UHAMKA) to the Kepong Community Learning Center (PKBM) in Kuala Lumpur. This enriching interaction saw lecturers like Farida Hariyati and Titin Setiawati from the Department of Communication Science engage with students and parents from Indonesian migrant worker families. Discussions focused on vital topics like the interplay between ethics and future prospects, inspiring the young audience to embrace their potential and pursue positive contributions to society.
Meanwhile, lecturers of the Faculty of Health Sciences Leny Sri Rahayu and Fildzah Badzlina equipped the PKBM Kepong students with valuable knowledge about halal, healthy, and nutritious food choices. Their guidance empowers the children to make informed decisions for optimal development and well-being.
PCIM Malaysia’s commitment to education transcends mere academic outreach. Earlier on December 4, they partnered with the Perum LKBN ANTARA Kuala Lumpur Bureau to organize a movie screening of the inspiring film “Laskar Pelangi” at the Muhammadiyah learning enter in Kampung Baru. This initiative, attended by dozens of students and parents as well as Indonesian students engaged in community service, aimed to instill pride and cultural connection in children of migrant workers who may not have witnessed Indonesia firsthand.
“We hope that by showing this film, we can inspire and motivate not only the students and parents but also the teachers at the learning centers throughout Malaysia, particularly those at SB Muhammadiyah Kampung Baru,” stated Virna Puspa Setyorini, Head of the Perum LKBN ANTARA Kuala Lumpur Bureau.
The presence of approximately 33 learning centers in Kuala Lumpur, managed under the supervision of the Indonesian School of Kuala Lumpur (SIKL) and the Indonesian Representative Office, speaks volumes about the dedication of the Indonesian community towards supporting migrant families. PCIM Malaysia’s efforts in facilitating university collaborations further strengthen this network, contributing to the social, educational, and cultural well-being of Indonesian communities in Malaysia.
By connecting academic expertise with grassroots needs, PCIM Malaysia exemplifies the core values of Muhammadiyah. Their initiatives contribute not only to individual empowerment but also to fostering closer ties between Indonesia and its diaspora in Malaysia. As these collaborations continue to flourish, we can expect to see even more positive outcomes for communities on both sides of the border.
