MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MAGELANG – Indonesia’s Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, expressed strong appreciation for Muhammadiyah’s contributions to volunteerism, particularly in disaster response efforts across the country, including Sumatra and Aceh.
The minister said Muhammadiyah volunteers demonstrate distinctive character and capacity compared with other volunteer groups. His remarks were based on direct observations during visits to disaster-affected areas.
“Muhammadiyah volunteers are different,” Budi said while delivering a speech at the launch of the Medical and Medical Profession Program at the Muhammadiyah University of Magelang on Thursday (08/01). “When I see Muhammadiyah teams in disaster affected zones, they are resilient, independent, and work to very high standards.”
According to the health minister, Muhammadiyah has established volunteer work standards that meet international benchmarks. The World Health Organization’s verification of Muhammadiyah’s Emergency Medical Team (EMT) is a testament of Muhammadiyah’s commitment. Such recognition, he added, represents a significant strength and an important asset in reinforcing Indonesia’s national disaster management system.
Budi further expressed hope that the standards and work ethic demonstrated by Muhammadiyah volunteers could serve as a model and inspiration for other volunteer organizations across the country. With broader adoption of these practices, he said, disaster response efforts in Indonesia could become more professional, measurable, and sustainable.
“Muhammadiyah does not talk much, but it takes real action,” he said. “Its progress in the field of volunteerism is truly remarkable, and I hope this spirit can spread to all volunteer institutions in Indonesia.”
The minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s appreciation for Muhammadiyah’s consistent and concrete contributions to humanitarian and disaster response efforts nationwide. (Bhisma) (Translated by Bintang Adrian)
