EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA — Syafiq A. Mughni, Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Central Board stressed that all forms of support for Zionist must be opposed. It also includes propaganda conveyed through artistic performances, sports, and commercial activities.
Syafiq made the statement in an introductory segment of TVMu’s Ruang Publik program on Sunday (24/10). The program discussed controversy surrounding plans for Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli to perform in Indonesia.
Muhammadiyah’s Commitment to Palestine
He said Muhammadiyah remains firmly committed to supporting the Palestinian people’s struggle for independence and sovereignty. This commitment is reflected in various humanitarian initiatives and a firm stance against all forms of colonialism and occupation.
According to Syafiq, this position must guide responses to activities that could lend support to Israeli Zionist propaganda. He warned the public against participating in events that could strengthen the position of those occupying Palestine.
“At the same time, all forms of propaganda that support Israeli Zionist must be opposed,” he emphasized.
Syafiq said the issue requires scrutiny across various aspects of public life, including the entertainment industry. Artistic performances and music concerts, he argued, should be assessed based on the interests they serve, particularly when they are used to raise funds for activities that seek to justify occupation.
“Any money we spend, no matter how little, to support propaganda through artistic performances, concerts, and other activities is also something that cannot be justified,” he said.
He also raised concerns about concerts whose proceeds are used to justify or support acts of occupation. In his view, such economic support runs counter to humanitarian solidarity and the Palestinian people’s struggle for Independence.
Upholding Humanity and Justice
Syafiq stressed that Muhammadiyah’s position aligns with the Preamble to Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution. It declares that independence is the right of all nations and that colonialism must be abolished throughout the world because it is incompatible with humanity and justice.
On this basis, he called on all Indonesians to work together to advance justice and peace wherever they are needed.
“Muhammadiyah calls on all Indonesian communities and the nation as a whole to join hands in the struggle for justice and peace wherever they are needed, including in Palestine,” he said.
Syafiq’s statement was part of a Ruang Publik discussion titled “No Stage for Supporters of Zionism.” The discussion also featured Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, Chairperson of the Indonesian Ulema Council’s (MUI) Foreign Relations and International Cooperation Division; Gunawan Budianto, Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Central Board’s Department for Arts and Culture; and Dwi Setyowati, Chairperson of the Advocacy, Hikmah, and Public Policy Division of the Central Board of Nasyiatul ‘Aisyiyah.
