MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MERAUKE – The Central Board of Muhammadiyah moved to strengthen both ideological grounding and health services during a visit to South Papua, where the regional leadership of Muhammadiyah formally began operating in 2025. 

The engagement coincided with a celebration marking Muhammadiyah’s 113th anniversary. As part of the visit, the organization held a public talk show in Merauke on Sunday (21/12), featuring Muhammad Sayuti, secretary of Muhammadiyah Central Board, as the main speaker. 

In his remarks, Sayuti urged cadres, especially those in leadership positions, to deepen their understanding of Muhammadiyah’s core ideological documents. He highlighted texts such as Guidance for the Islamic Life of Muhammadiyah Members (PHIWM), Muhammadiyah Tract, and Muhammadiyah Identity, as essential references. 

He also explained the Treatise of Progressive Islam, the organization’s most recent ideological document, which emerged from Muhammadiyah’s 48th national congress in Surakarta. 

“These documents strengthen the identity of Muhammadiyah’s movement,” Sayuti said. He added that they clearly distinguish the organization from political parties and other religious movements.

“Leaders must deliberate and instruct members to study the Muhammadiyah Tract and Muhammadiyah Personality,” he said. “We should understand what differs this organization from a political party.”

Sayuti delivered a similar message to leaders of Muhammadiyah’s autonomous organizations in South Papua. He stressed that seeking support from political parties does not align with Muhammadiyah’s principles. 

Expanding Health Services in Merauke

Beyond ideological consolidation, Sayuti also visited the Muhammadiyah Public Health Service Center (PKU Muhammadiyah) in Merauke. He expressed hope that the facility would serve as a concrete extension of Muhammadiyah’s mission to provide health services to the public. 

He emphasized that the Muhammadiyah’s health institutions should offer care without discrimination, reflecting the organization’s commitment to serving the nation as a whole. 

The visit underscored Muhammadiyah’s dual focus in South Papua: Strengthening its ideological foundation while expanding practical services that directly benefit local communities. (Bintang Adrian)