EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, LONDON – The Special Branch Board of United Kingdom and Ireland paid a courtesy visit to Indonesia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Desra Percaya, at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in London on Thursday (13/8). The meeting was part of preparations for the inauguration of the PCIM UK and Ireland for the 2026–2028 term. The event was scheduled for August 22, 2026.
Ambassador Desra, who also serves as Indonesia’s Ambassador to Ireland and the International Maritime Organization, was accompanied by KBRI London Counselor for Information, Social, and Cultural Affairs Jepri Edi; First Secretary Yaohar Erza Arighi; and Second Secretary Bella Zifa Nurmansyah. During the meeting, Desra welcomed the visit. He also affirmed KBRI London’s openness to collaborating with various Indonesian communities in the UK and Ireland.
PCIM UK and Ireland’s Commitment to Society
He emphasized that the Indonesian diaspora has a strategic role in making positive contributions both to the societies in which they live to Indonesia’s development.
During the meeting, PCIM UK and Ireland Chairperson Dian Ince Aprilyani Azir presented several programs for the 2026–2028 term. These include strengthening the organization internally, developing its dakwah programs, and organizing various initiatives. All these programs must be aimed at benefiting Indonesian communities in the UK and Ireland.
“This is certainly an effort to build synergy and to introduce wasathiyah Islam to local communities in the UK. It also continues our communities in the UK. It also continues our membership in the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB),” Dian said.
She emphasized that PCIM UK and Ireland remains committed to contributing to the advancement of Indonesia and Muhammadiyah. This commitment will be realized by creating broad opportunities for collaboration with Indonesian Muslim organizations and communities in the UK.
According to Dian, such synergy is important for introducing Indonesia’s moderate and progressive understanding of Islam to the international community. Collaboration among Indonesian Muslim communities is also expected to strengthen the representation and contribution of Indonesian Muslims in British society.
Looking Forward to PCIM UK and Ireland Inauguration
During the meeting, Dian also introduced the organizing committee for the inauguration of the PCIM UK and Ireland.
Izzudin Al Faras was appointed chairperson of the inauguration committee, drawing on his experience leading the Kibar Gathering 2026, one of the major gatherings of the Indonesian Muslim community in the UK.
Meanwhile, Syahirul Alim Ritonga was appointed vice chairperson. He previously led the organizing committee for the Indonesian Scholars International Convention (ISIC) 2026. It was held by the Indonesian Students Association in the United Kingdom.
The involvement of both figures is expected to support the successful organization of the inauguration while strengthening collaborative networks among Muslim communities, the Indonesian diaspora, and the Indonesian civil society organizations in the UK.
The meeting between PCIM UK and Ireland and KBRI London served as an opportunity to strengthen communication and synergy between Muhammadiyah and Indonesia’s diplomatic representatives. The collaboration is expected to expand into various areas, particularly diaspora cadre development, dakwah, education, social affairs, and cultural and Islamic diplomacy. (Bhisma)
