EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, LONDON — Muhammadiyah became the only Islamic organization from Southeast Asia to participate in the East London Mosque Science Fair 2026. East London Mosque Youth Hub organized the event on Saturday (29/8) at the London Muslim Centre, one of the largest mosque complexes in Western Europe.
Muhammadiyah participation in the International science and cultural event marked an important opportunity for the Indonesian diaspora and Islamic organizations from Indonesia to showcase their contributions on the global stage.
Held under the theme “Sparking a New Generation of Muslim Scientists,” the family-friendly event welcomed children aged 7 to 17 and attracted more than 3,000 visitors from diverse backgrounds, age groups, and communities.
Blending Indonesian Tradition With Science
The science fair brought together science, technology, and culture from different countries. Therefore, amid the diverse international participants, Muhammadiyah’s booth offered a distinctive combination of digital creativity and Indonesia’s rich tradition of traditional games.
There are several Indonesian games, including congklak, bola bekel, marbles, and lato-lato, which have long been part of the childhood experiences of generations of Indonesians.
The traditional games were prepared and sent directly from the Muhammadiyah Central Board office in Jakarta, underscoring the Central Board’s support for the event in the United Kingdom. Through the games, London residents and international visitors were invited to learn more about Indonesia’s local wisdom and the values of togetherness embedded in its traditional games.
The program was led by Thareq Barasabha, the person in charge and secretary of the Education, Research, and Culture Council of the Muhammadiyah Special Branch Board of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Thareq is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Oxford.
At the science fair, PCIM UK & Ireland also showcased a digital game that forms part of Thareq’s research. The game is a mobile-based, gamified digital cognitive remediation therapy designed to help prevent cognitive decline and support people with mild cognitive impairment and early-stage dementia.
“Alhamdulillah, this research became one of the main attractions at Muhammadiyah’s booth. It presents both academic research and digital technology in an applicable form that benefits public health,” Thareq said.
Also attending the event were PCIM UK & Ireland Chairperson Ince Dian Aprilyani Azir, Education, Research, and Culture Council Member Rifqi Ikhwanuddin, and Economic, Institutional, and Charitable Enterprises Council Member Izuddin Al-Farras.
Bringing Indonesia to the Global Stage
Ince Dian said the participation demonstrated that Indonesia’s cultural heritage can stand alongside digital innovation on the international stage. She further added that the event reflected the spirit of “From Indonesia, for the World,” which guides Muhammadiyah’s participation in various international forums.
“We want to show that traditional games such as congklak, bola bekel, marbles, and lato-lato are not merely nostalgic. They are cultural heritage that remains relevant and appealing to people around the world,” she said.
“Muhammadiyah’s presence as the only Islamic organization from Southeast Asia at the East London Mosque Science Fair is both a source of pride and a responsibility to continue introducing the world to the friendly, open, and culturally rich face of Indonesian Islam,” Ince Dian added.
The participation demonstrated that Muhammadiyah’s internationalization extends beyond religious and academic forums to include cultural exchange, scientific development, and innovations that will then connect with people’s everyday lives.
From traditional games to digital technology, Muhammadiyah continues to bring Indonesian values and the contributions of its members to the global stage. This is an effort to create meaningful benefits for communities around the world. (Bhisma)
