MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA — In a positive step towards fostering collaboration, Muhammadiyah leaders and Sant’Egidio, a Catholic community based in Rome, held a productive meeting at the Muhammadiyah Da’wa Center in Jakarta on Wednesday, February 28.
President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir, General Secretary Abdul Mu’ti, Secretary General, and Chairman Syafiq Mughni welcomed Valeria Martano, a representative from the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
The discussions, as highlighted by Yayah Khisbiyah, Secretary of the Muhammadiyah Department for International Relations and Cooperation, focused on forging collaborative programs in three key areas: humanitarian aid, global peace initiatives, and regional conflict transformation. Additionally, the parties explored ways to bolster social cohesion among young people of diverse faiths and empower women in conflict zones.
Yayah emphasized the long-standing relationship between Sant’Egidio and Muhammadiyah, spanning several decades. The meeting also served as an opportunity to discuss the renewal of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organizations. The most recent agreement, signed in 2017 by Haedar Nashir and Marco Impagliazzo, President of Sant’Egidio, coincided with the “Pancasila for the World” seminar.
The MoU underscores a joint commitment to providing vital humanitarian assistance in the face of disasters, conflicts, wars, and violence. Furthermore, it reinforces their dedication to promoting peace initiatives, interfaith dialogue, and multicultural cooperation. Both organizations also pledge to foster a culture of peace and non-violence among young people through various educational activities.
Yayah went on to highlight the shared membership of Sant’Egidio and Muhammadiyah in the International Contact Group (ICG), a group actively supporting the peace process in Bangsamoro. This joint membership serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to contributing to regional peace efforts.
Beyond ICG collaboration, the partnership between Sant’Egidio and Muhammadiyah extends to various interfaith collaborations in the realms of humanitarianism and peacebuilding. One such noteworthy initiative involves their joint efforts to promote inclusive social relations, particularly through the participation of young people from diverse religious backgrounds.
The critical importance of both humanitarian cooperation and interfaith dialogue was a central theme of the meeting. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other’s educational and humanitarian endeavors, laying the groundwork for a peaceful and inclusive future. The renewed MoU is expected to serve as a strong foundation for continued, fruitful collaboration across faith lines.