MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA — Muhammadiyah Central Board has initiated discussions for a strategic global partnership with Shaikh Tahir Alzawi Charity Organization (STACO) in the fields of education, healthcare, and social development.
The delegation from Staco was received on Tuesday (8/4) by Syafiq A. Mughni, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Central Board at its Jakarta headquarters.
During the meeting, STACO introduced its organizational profile. Established in 2011, the Libya-based charity has expanded its international network across countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Kenya, Sudan, Egypt, Gaza, and Turkey.
STACO actively engaged in education, humanitarian aid, disaster and conflict resilience, as well as healthcare services. The delegation expressed appreciation for Muhammadiyah’s longstanding contributions, particularly in social services and educational development, viewing the organization as a strategic partner for global-scale initiatives.
Campus Development and Language Programs
One of the key agendas discussed was the proposed construction of the Shaikh Tahir Azzawy Campus in Libya, a five-story educational facility. The project will be a collaborative effort with Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. HAMKA (UHAMKA), which had previously hosted a visit from the STACO delegation.
In addition, STACO is planning to establish an Arabic language institute for non-native speakers in Jakarta. This initiative is inspired by the scholarly legacy of Shaikh Tahir Azzawy, known for his contributions to Arabic literature, including authoring classical texts and compiling Arabic dictionaries.
STACO also runs special programs for Indonesian students studying in Libya, further strengthening educational ties between the two countries.
Humanitarian Engagement and Waqf Initiatives
In the humanitarian sector, STACO has been actively assisting Sudanese refugees in Libya and supporting communities in Gaza. The organization also develops waqf-based projects to sustain its social and educational programs.
The delegation noted that they had communicated with Anis Matta, Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, who regarded Muhammadiyah as an ideal partner for advancing this collaboration. Muhammadiyah’s achievements in education, he said, could serve as a model for STACO’s development.
Strengthening Global Collaboration
Both parties emphasized the importance of collaboration, particularly given the significant number of Muhammadiyah students currently pursuing education in Libya. STACO expressed interest in learning from Muhammadiyah’s institutional model, which has produced many influential figures in Indonesia.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue dialogue and strengthen communication through follow-up meetings, with the aim of realizing the proposed collaborative programs.
