MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAPAN – The Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Heri Akhmadi, expressed his support for the Muhammadiyah Special Branch (PCIM) and the ‘Aisyiyah Special Branch (PCIA) of Japan at their inauguration on Sunday, September 9, 2023.
“Muhammadiyah has contributed to evolving education, health, and welfare of this nation since before Indonesia achieved its independence,” said Akhmadi.
He noted that the PCIM and PCIA of Japan can link Japan and Muhammadiyah, as Japan is a leading country in education, healthcare, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). They are also expected to strengthen the Indonesian community in Japan, which reached more than 120,000 people in 2023, according to Japanese immigration data.
“70% of the Indonesian people in Japan are migrant workers, so the PCIM and PCIA of Japan can help them because it is impossible for the Indonesian embassy in Japan to take care of all of them,” said Akhmadi.
Ridwan Wicaksono, Chairman of the PCIM of Japan, mentioned that the PCIM has programs in education, healthcare, social service, and Islamic da’wah.
“Many Muhammadiyah people have been active in the similar programs long before the PCIM was established. We believe that Indonesian people in Japan will inspire us to promote Islam and run the programs,” said Wicaksono.
Kholifatul Arifah, Chairwoman of PCIA of Japan, explained that the PCIA was founded because many Muslim women participated in Muhammadiyah programs.
The PCIA of Japan now has fifty members, who are housewives, students, and workers in Japan.
“We would try to promote this PCIA in Japan,” said Arifah.
The PCIM and PCIA of Japan are expected to play an important role in strengthening ties between Indonesia and Japan, and in supporting the Indonesian community in Japan.
