MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Muhammadiyah, through Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC), has been actively involved in disaster relief and humanitarian efforts across the country. The MDMC has established a network of local units in 36 provinces and 158 regencies and cities.
MDMC has played a crucial role in responding to various natural disasters, including floods, landslides, and tornadoes. According to Chairperson of the MDMC Budi Setiawan, MDMC has responded to over 100 disaster events annually.
“From January to July 2024, MDMC provided assistance to 114 disaster-affected areas,” said Budi in a press release on Monday, August 26.
Muhammadiyah response efforts include search and rescue operations, medical aid, psychosocial support, education during the emergency, and distribution of essential supplies such as food, clothing, temporary shelters, sanitation, and clean water.
To ensure effective disaster response, Muhammadiyah has invested in training and equipping its volunteers. Over 2,396 individuals have received specialized training in disaster relief. Additionally, the Muhammadiyah Department of Charity Management (Lazismu) has allocated significant funds to support relief efforts. By July 2024, Lazismu disbursed Rp 1,328,200,400 in aid, benefiting over 131,441 individuals.
Budi emphasized that Muhammadiyah involvement in emergency response, rehabilitation, and reconstruction aligns with the vision of Penolong Kesengsaraan Oemoem (PKO), the Muhammadiyah humanitarian organization in the era of Ahmad Dahlan. The organization aimed to alleviate suffering and provide assistance to all individuals in need, regardless of their religious affiliation.
