EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen humanitarian services and organizational capacity in disaster response.
The agreement was signed by PMI Chairman Jusuf Kalla and Muhammadiyah Central Board Treasurer General Hilman Latief during the closing of the National Meeting of the Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC), held at the Center for Vocational Arts and Culture Education Quality Assurance Development (BBPPMPV) on sunday (13/9).
The partnership is aimed at strengthening coordination in disaster emergencies and making better use of the resources and networks available.
In his keynote remarks, the former 10th and 12th vice president of Indonesia said the partnership was based on Muhammadiyah’s considerable potential to contribute to national disaster response efforts. That potential is supported by its extensive network of hospitals, universities, students, and volunteers across Indonesia.
Building a Stronger Humanitarian Response
Under the agreement, the two organizations will strengthen humanitarian service and responses to disaster-related issues both in Indonesia and internationally. They will also facilitate human resource development by aligning volunteer standards through training, capacity building, and competency certification.
The MoU also focuses on improving organizational governance. The partnership will encourage integrated and efficient exchanges of data and information, alongside broader collaboration in academic development and community empowerment.
These efforts are intended to foster closer cooperation among volunteers and produce disaster mitigation measures and policies that are timely, effective, and grounded in field data.
“On the field, we need to work with everyone. Whatever resources people have, we will bring them together. Disaster response requires a large number of volunteers,” Jusuf Kalla said in response to the agreement.
Budi Setiawan, Chairperson of MDMC, welcomed the partnership between the two organizations. He noted that MDMC frequently works alongside PMI during disaster operations. He also expressed hope that MDMC could learn from PMI while gaining stronger legal support for its field operations.
“PMI has facilities and an organized system. So, we can learn from each other and eventually open doors in many regions,” Budi said. (Alam)
