MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, TAIWAN – Chairperson of the Council for Cadre and Human Resources (MPKSDI) of Muhammadiyah Central Board (PP Muhammadiyah), Bachtiar Dwi Kurniawan, visited Taiwan to meet with the Head of the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office (KDEI) and the Special Branch Board of Muhammadiyah (PCIM) Taiwan. The visit aimed to accelerate Muhammadiyah’s official legalization in Taiwan.
The trip highlighted Muhammadiyah’s commitment to internationalization through the establishment of formal institutions, while also reinforcing its advocacy for Muhammadiyah’s diaspora and Indonesian migrant workers (PMI).
During a meeting with the chairperson of KDEI Taipei, Arif Sulistyo, Bachtiar discussed the development of Islam Berkemajuan (Progressive Islam) in the Land of Formosa.
“We are working toward Muhammadiyah’s legalization in Taiwan to strengthen the organization’s international expansion. With an established institution, Muhammadiyah’s program can bring greater benefits to the diaspora and Indonesian community here,” Bachtiar said in a press release received by Muhammadiyah.or.id on Friday (31/10).
Bachtiar added that the legalization would support the propagation of Islam that is adaptive to Taiwan’s advancements in economy, technology, and science.
Arif expressed full support for Muhammadiyah’s effort toward international recognition.
“We fully support this initiative, provided that Muhammadiyah establishes a legal entity in the form of a company that meets local capital and regulatory requirements,” Arif said.
Bachtiar also encouraged Muhammadiyah cadres to start by founding a travel services company focusing on halal tourism and PMI assistance programs.
“From job placement and pre-departure training to advocacy for both documented and undocumented workers, Muhammadiyah can take an active role in education, prevention of violence, and mitigation of risky social behaviours,” he added.
With hundreds of thousands of Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan, Muhammadiyah is seen as having strong potential to assist the Indonesian government in addressing key challenges such as access to halal food and freedom of worship in a predominantly non-Muslim society.
This visit marks an important step in positioning Muhammadiyah as a strategic partner to the Indonesian government in Taiwan, strengthening both da’wah and the protection of Indonesian citizens abroad. (Bintang Adrian)
