MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, NEW SOUTH WALES – In a spirit of unity and cultural exchange, the Central Board of Muhammadiyah reached out to Indonesian diaspora in New South Wales, Australia, during a recent gathering. Held on January 28, it served as a medium for strengthening ties, celebrating shared values, and even injecting a dose of humor with the launch of a new book.
Leading the charge was Izza Rohman, Chair of the Muhammadiyah Special Branch (PRIM) of New South Wales. He outlined the event’s three key objectives: bolstering Muhammadiyah presence in the region, forging connections with diverse groups like the diaspora, and fostering a vision for a brighter future.
“We hope this gathering will pave the way for a more positive future for our communities, both in Australia and beyond,” Rohman remarked.
During his speech, Muhammad Sayuti, Secretary of Muhammadiyah, emphasized the organization’s global reach. He highlighted its network of six autonomous organizations, including ‘Aisyiyah, Tapak Suci, and Hizbul Wathan, and its presence in 30 countries. Additionally, Sayuti proudly announced Muhammadiyah’s legal status in the United States, Australia, Japan, and Germany.
But the impact wasn’t limited to numbers. Sayuti also underscored Muhammadiyah’s pioneering spirit, evident in its establishment of the first Indonesian university outside the country – in Malaysia – and the first Muhammadiyah school in Australia, the Muhammadiyah Australia College in Melbourne.
“This perhaps stems from our extensive experience managing over 5,800 schools and 172 universities, exceeding even the Indonesian government’s reach,” Sayuti explained, “many of these institutions located in remote areas where the government hasn’t been able to provide education and healthcare.”
He further mentioned that this dedication to education and social service is deeply rooted in Muhammadiyah core values of da’wa, tajdid (renewal), and amal (social service).
“So, you can rest assured that Muhammadiyah remains focused on its mission, even amidst political turmoil,” he assured the audience, referring to the upcoming Indonesian presidential election. “We will stay neutral and true to our principles.”
The gathering fostered a warm and engaging atmosphere. Representatives from the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney, the Muhammadiyah Special Branch in New South Wales, and the diaspora community participated actively. The event culminated in a lively discussion about the newly launched book, “Guyon Maton: Lucu Bermutu ala Muhammadiyin,” a collection of humorous stories and jokes reflecting Muhammadiyah values.
