EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, UNITED KINGDOM – Muhammadiyah Special Branch Board in Britain and Ireland has pledged to deepend collaboration with organizations in the region after its new leadership was formally installed for the 2026–2028 term.
Ince Dian Aprilyani Azir, Chairperson of PCIM UK and Ireland, made the remarks during the branch’s inauguration ceremony Saturday (22/8) at the Embassy of Indonesia in London. The event also included the presentation of a membership certificate from the Muslim Council of Britain, or MCB.
“Alhamdulillah, as the first step of our new leadership, PCIM UK and Ireland has officially become a member of the Muslim Council of Britain,” Ince said. “We are the first, and so far the only, member from Indonesia.”
She said the organization would continue seeking support and opening opportunities for collaboration with various groups. The goal, she added, is to work together on Islamic outreach for global communities, particularly in Britain and Ireland.
A New Partnership in Britain
Desra Percaya, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Britain, Ireland, and the International Maritime Organization, said the embassy would continue to support activities and partnerships organized by Indonesian communities in Britain.
“I hope PCIM UK and Ireland will carry this responsibility with integrity, dedication, and a strong spirit of service to Muhammadiyah, the Indonesian community, and the wider communities in Britain and Ireland,” Desra said.
Wajid Akhter, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain and one of its senior leaders, also attended the inauguration ceremony. Akhter praised Muhammadiyah as one of the world’s major Islamic Organization. He said he had known about the organization since childhood and had learned about its work at a young age.
For Akhter, Muhammadiyah’s membership in the MCB brings an important perspective to Islamic outreach and efforts to strengthen Muslim unity in Britain.
“When I was a child, I remember learning about Muhammadiyah,” Akhter said. “The organization does not only build schools or hospitals. It also builds people.”
He welcomed Muhammadiyah’s decision to join the MCB. He then offered a striking description of the relationship between the two organizations.
“It is not Muhammadiyah joining the MCB. Rather, it is the MCB joining Muhammadiyah,” Akhter said.
From an Indonesian Community to a Global Network
Muhammadiyah’s growing presence in Britain and Ireland reflects an effort to extend its contribution beyond the welfare of Indonesians living abroad. The organization is also seeking opportunities to contribute to broader Muslim and humanitarian initiatives. Its international network and decades of institutional experience could provide a foundation for such efforts.
PCIM UK and Ireland is expected to translate its commitments into collaborative programs with tangible social impact. Those initiatives could strengthen not only Indonesia’s Muslim community in Britain but also Muhammaidyah’s engagement with wider humanitarian and community-development efforts. (Bhisma)
