MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SURAKARTA – Lazismu, the philanthropic arm of Muhammadiyah, has expanded its support for Palestine beyond humanitarian relief by providing scholarships that allow Palestinian students to pursue higher education in Indonesia.
The initiative, known as the Muhammadiyah Scholarship for Palestinian Students to Study in Indonesia, offers opportunities at both undergraduate and master’s levels. Lazismu runs the program in collaboration with Muhammadiyah’s Council for Higher Education, Research and Development, placing students at Muhammadiyah universities across the country.
Shofia Khoirunnisa, manager for distribution and empowerment programs at Lazismu’s central office, said the scholarship also involves partnerships with the National Alms Agency namely Bazmas and the Quantum Akhyar Institute.
She explained that the Palestine Scholarship Program is an extension of the Sang Surya Scholarship, Lazismu’s flagship initiative in education.
“This reflects Lazismu’s commitment to responding to the prolonged humanitarian crisis in Palestine through an educational approach,” Shofia said.
A Milestone Graduation in Surakarta
Encouraging news recently came from one of the program beneficiaries, Mahmoud Amjad Muhammad Bolad, a Palestinian student who completed his master’s degree in English Education at Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (UMS).
Bolad graduated as the fastest student in his cohort. He completed the program in one year and 27 days and earned a GPA of 3.96.
He pursued his studies through a full scholarship provided by Muhammadiyah Central Board, which specifically allocates funding for Palestinian students. Speaking at the Edutorium KH Ahmad Dahlan building on (20/12), Bolad described the experience as a pivotal moment in his academic journey.
He said the early stages of his studies were challenging, particularly due to differences in language and culture. Over time, he adapted with support from the campus environment and the hospitality of the academic community. He also cited the warmth of local residents in Surakarta as a key source of motivation.
Ihwan Susila, vice rector for academic affairs at UMS, expressed pride in Bolad’s achievement. He said the accomplishment reflected the university’s commitment to inclusive and international education.
According to the university’s official statement, Ihwan noted that Bolad’s story strengthens the role of UMS and Muhammadiyah in promoting global education, humanitarian values and cross-border human resource development.
Bolad is not the only international graduate supported by the program. Another recipient, Ali Abdul Raoof Taha Al-Maktari from Yemen, completed a master’s degree in chemical engineering in Indonesia. He thanked UMS and its leadership for opening access to higher education for international students. (Bintang Adrian)
