MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MAKASSAR – The Muhammadiyah Student Association (Ikatan Pelajar Muhammadiyah/IPM) is taking a strategic step toward global engagement by preparing students with international perspectives through the Muhammadiyah Global Fellowship Academy (MGFA) 2026, held on Saturday (10/01) in Makassar.
The one-day program brought together 28 selected high school students from South Sulawesi. MGFA 2026 forms part of IPM’s international relations strategy. The program reflects a broader effort to cultivate globally minded Muhammadiyah cadres from an early age.
At the heart of the program was a Strategic Discussion session featuring Bunyan Saptomo, a senior Indonesian diplomat. Moderated by Muhammad Yasir Abdad, the session adopted an interactive dialogue-driven format that encouraged active participation,
Bunyan emphasized that international diplomacy extends beyond state-to-state relations. Instead, he said, it involves building peace, trust, and cooperation across cultures. Therefore, he urged students to sharpen their analytical skills. The diplomat also told the participants to develop humanitarian sensitivity, and strengthen their character to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.
The open discussion format, he added, allowed participants to practice articulating ideas and questions. It serves as an early exposure to strategic forums often found in international settings.
Beyond its educational role, MGFA 2026 also served as part of IPM’s outreach ahead of its Muktamar National Congress. According to the program director, Faishal Hazza, the organized selected the participants for their interest in global issues and international relations. Although compact, the curriculum was designed to be intensive, practical, and focused on foundational diplomatic skills.
Facilitators from Indonesia’s mission to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation supported the sessions throughout the day. Meanwhile, Imran Nur, Chairperson of International Cooperation Department at IPM Central Board, described MGFA as an entry point for students to engage with global dynamics and build confidence in critical thinking.
The program aims to inspire students as future actors on international diplomacy. Through MGFA 2026, IPM hopes to nurture a new generation of Muhammadiyah leaders with strong faith, broad global insight, and emotional maturity. (Bintang Adrian)
