MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA—Muhammadiyah warmly welcomed a delegation of 47 Buddhist leaders representing 17 countries from the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) on Wednesday (November 22). The significance of engaging in dialogue and meeting with Muhammadiyah leaders was recognized as a strategic move to promote religious moderation and contribute to global peace.
Yuli MumpuniYuli Mumpuni Widarso, an advisor of the Muhammadiyah Institute for International Relations and Cooperation (LHKI), highlighted that this visit is a continuation of a substantial meeting of global Buddhist figures in Yogyakarta in 2015, where Muhammadiyah also played a pivotal role.
“Strengthening interfaith meetings is crucial, especially considering one of our major challenges involves tackling discrimination and violence rooted in religion,” said Yuli on Wednesday (November 22).
The INEB delegation embarked on a visit to the Muhammadiyah Museum at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), aiming to acquaint Buddhist leaders with the historical development of Muhammadiyah. Subsequently, an interfaith diapraxis session on “Religious Moderation for a Just and Peaceful Civilization” was held with representatives from the Central Board of Muhammadiyah at Madrasah Muallimin Yogyakarta. The diapraxis served as a platform to discuss resolutions to humanitarian and social issues. The diapraxis wasn’t just a meeting; it was an interactive session where ideas flowed freely, bridging the gap between different religious perspectives.
The INEB Executive Committee and Muhammadiyah were represented by Yuli Mumpuni Widarso and KV Soon, respectively. The meeting was attended by the Executive Secretary of INEB, Moo Somboon Chungprampree, the Secretary of the LHKI Yayah Khisbiyah, the Director-General of Buddhist Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Supriyadi, and the Director of Muallimin Aly Aulia. Besides the fruitful dialogue, students from Muallimin presented engaging art performances, showcasing cultural diversity.
The visit of Buddhist figures from the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) to Muhammadiyah is not merely symbolic; it strengthens interfaith cooperation and represents a concrete step towards building understanding and tolerance among people of different religions. Amidst global challenges related to religion-based discrimination and violence, this meeting provides hope for the creation of a more peaceful and just society.
The collaboration between INEB and Muhammadiyah sets an example for other communities and organizations, encouraging them to promote interfaith dialogue, bridge differences, and lay the foundation for global peace. With close cooperation, religious moderation and conflict resolution are expected to be reinforced, bringing positive impacts to the global community.
