UMS Leaders Accompany Muhammadiyah Diktilitbang Delegation in the Netherlands to Preach Islam and Build Partnerships

UMS Vice Rector II, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Da'i, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., and the Head of the Office of Collaboration and International Affairs, Andy Dwi Bayu Bawono, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., accompanied the Chairperson of the Regional Leadership (PMW) of Central Java, Dr. KH. Tafsir, M.Ag., on this visit. Their trip, which took place from February 20-25, 2025, also aimed to spread the message of Islam in the country.

In addition to preaching, the delegation consisting of UMS leaders and Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development of Muhammadiyah (Diktilitbang) will also visit the University of Groningen and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in the Netherlands.

“PTMA plans to collaborate with universities in the Netherlands in the fields of health, medicine, and agriculture,” said Andy, who also serves as Treasurer of the Diktilitbang, on Saturday (22/02).

During the visit, Tafsir had the opportunity to deliver the Friday sermon at Al-Hikmah Mosque in The Hague. Speaking before around 700 jamaah from various countries, he addressed the challenges of fasting in regions with longer daylight hours.

To navigate this issue, Tafsir referred to the opinion of Sayyid Sabiq.

In Fiqh as-Sunnah, Sayyid Sabiq outlines two possible solutions: first, following the fasting schedule of the nearest Muslim country with a more balanced day-night cycle, and second, adhering to the fasting times of Makkah or Madinah.

UMS and Diktilitbang delegation gathered at Al-Hikmah Mosque in The Hague, Netherlands, on February 21, 2025. (private document).

In addition to discussing the fiqh (jurisprudence) of fasting, Tafsir also encouraged the congregation to welcome the month of Ramadan with joy. This is because Ramadan is syahrul mubarak, a month full of blessings.

The Dean of the UMS Faculty of Medicine (FK) , Dr. dr. Flora Ramona Sigit Prakoeswa, M.Kes., Sp.KK., Dipl.STD-HIV/AIDS., FINSDV., FAADV., was instrumental in establishing this collaboration.

Flora presented the strengths of FK UMS in terms of educational quality and facilities. She also highlighted the excellence of the Faculty of Medicine at other Muhammadiyah-‘Aisyiyah Universities (PTMA).

“We are optimistic about initiating cooperation for 18 PTMAs with various medical faculties and hospitals in the Netherlands,” Flora explained in a virtual interview.

This initiative was warmly welcomed by the Education and Culture Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in the Netherlands, Prof. Dr. Agus Setiabudi, M.Si., who stated that the embassy is ready to facilitate the collaboration between UMS, PTMA, and universities in the Netherlands.

Writer: Sheva

Translator: Rizal

Editor: Fika