MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – The Muhammadiyah Study Center has partnered with Muhammadiyah Special Branch Board (PCIM) Saudi Arabia to promote the Unified Global Hijri Calendar (Kalender Hijriah Global Tunggal/KHGT).
The initiative was highlighted during an online discussion held on Sunday (26/4) by Bachtiar Dwi Kurniawan, Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Central Board’s Council for Cadre Development and Human Resources.
He described KHGT as a manifestation of Islam’s ability to remain relevant across time and space.
“Islam is suitable for different spaces and times, wherever and whenever,” he said. “As Muslims have become a global community, Islam must serve as a blessing for all creation.”
A Vision of Islam beyond Geography
Bachtiar, widely known as Gus Bach, stressed that Islam’s teachings are not limited to specific regions such as equatorial countries. Instead, he said, they are equally applicable in diverse environments, including polar regions in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Through KHGT, he added, Islam can further strengthen its position as a global religion rather than one bound by local interpretations.
At the same time, the initiative reflects the expanding international presence of Muhammadiyah. Once primarily active in Indonesia, the organization now operates in multiple countries through its overseas branches.
Bachtiar framed KHGT as part of Muhammadiyah’s broader effort to export its intellectual contributions to the global Muslim community.
“The progressive, modern, and moderate understanding of Islam promoted by Muhammadiyah is something that must be shared widely,” he said.
Expanding Global Engagement
The concept of Islam Berkemajuan (Progressive Islam), he explained, aligns closely with modernity while remaining forward-looking. It seeks to prepare Muslim societies for future challenges without losing their foundational values.
For that reason, Bachtiar called on Muhammadiyah cadres within international branches to actively promote and implement the KHGT. These members, he said, play a crucial role as connectors who disseminate Muhammadiyah’s ideas globally.
The virtual event brought together representatives from Muhammadiyah’s international network, including participants from Taiwan. One attendee, Widi Dwi Noviandi of PCIM Taiwan, urged that outreach efforts surrounding KHGT be expanded more intensively. Organizers said the collaboration marks a step toward broader acceptance of the Unified Global Hijri Calendar. They are looking forward to fostering greater cohesion among Muslim communities worldwide.
