MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir hoped that the Muhammadiyah Department of Charity Management (Lazismu) accelerates its role in addressing social and economic disparities.
He emphasized that, as an Islamic philanthropic body, Lazismu should play a more significant role in promoting social justice and economic prosperity for the people.
“The development of Indonesia is deeply rooted in the contributions of society, including religious organizations, which become essential pillars of this nation,” said Haedar in the 22nd anniversary commemoration of Lazismu in Jakarta on Tuesday (July 30).
Haedar emphasized the historical role of religious organizations in the independence and subsequent development of Indonesia. Unlike Western and European countries where NGOs often operate independently or in opposition to government policies, Indonesian NGOs, particularly those with religious affiliations, have traditionally collaborated with the government to achieve shared goals.
“In Indonesia, NGOs, especially religious ones, have long shared a spirit of togetherness, care, and building equitable and prosperous social relations. They have played a significant role in the independence and development of this nation,” said Haedar.
Haedar mentioned the inseparable bond between religious organizations and Indonesia’s identity as a nation. These organizations have played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s core values, exemplified by Pancasila, the nation’s philosophical foundation.
The spirit of mutual cooperation (gotong royong), deeply embedded in Indonesian culture, is considered a cornerstone of the unity of this nation. Haedar believes this spirit, intertwined with Pancasila, continues to bind the nation together.
