MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – The Central Board of Muhammadiyah welcomed a visit from Dyah Prawesti, Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Special Branch of the United Kingdom (PCIM UK), on Monday, June 30. The meeting was attended by Muhammadiyah President Haedar Nashir, Chairperson Dr. Agus Taufiqurrahman, Secretary M. Sayuti, and the Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development Council Prof. Bambang Setiaji.
The visit focused on PCIM UK’s plans to strengthen Muhammadiyah’s presence in the UK and expand its global outreach. Dyah highlighted the importance of establishing PCIM UK as a legal entity, noting that official status would allow the organization to operate more effectively and be recognized formally in the country.
“We believe it’s time to strengthen our presence in the UK. As long as we remain an informal association, our activities are limited. Legal status will give us more structure and credibility in carrying out our mission,” said Dyah.
Dyah also raised the issue of the growing social challenge in the UK related to elderly care. With increasing life expectancy and many older adults left without proper support, hospitals are facing a bed shortage crisis. She believes this situation offers a real opportunity for Muhammadiyah to contribute meaningfully.
She referred to Prof. Bambang Setiaji’s statement that Muhammadiyah produces thousands of nursing graduates each year, which could open doors for Indonesian caregivers to fill this gap in the UK through official caregiver pathways offered by the British government.
“This is a huge opportunity. As Prof. Bambang mentioned, Muhammadiyah graduates many nursing students every year. With the UK offering special pathways for caregivers, this could be a way for Muhammadiyah to serve the global community,” explained Dyah.
However, Dyah mentioned that to seize these opportunities, Muhammadiyah should also invest in preparing its young members for global roles. She emphasized the need for better cadre development and support for members abroad so they can stay active in Muhammadiyah while contributing internationally.
“We want our cadres, even with their busy lives, to remain involved in Muhammadiyah and support our global mission. We’re asking for help from the central board, both technically and administratively, to make our plans easier to realize,” said Dyah.
Dyah also stressed the importance of encouraging Muhammadiyah members to think beyond national boundaries.
“We want the world to benefit from Muhammadiyah’s presence. Our global vision should continue to grow so that our outreach is not just in Indonesia, but reaches people everywhere,” adde Dyah.
Dyah’s visit reflects Muhammadiyah’s broader commitment to playing a constructive role globally. By strengthening its legal foundation, engaging in humanitarian issues, and preparing well-equipped cadres, Muhammadiyah aims to share its vision of Progressive Islam with the world.
With the support of PP Muhammadiyah, PCIM UK is confident in its ability to expand its impact and promote a compassionate and forward-thinking image of Islam worldwide.
