This year, Tanwir (pre-congress) Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah themed “Optimistically Tackle COVID-19 to succeed the 48th Muktamar”. The main agenda of Tanwir was to ensure Muktamar (the congress) in Surakarta. Muktamar will be conducted in 2022 as per the plan. Tanwir was held on Saturday (4/9), and Sunday (5/9) organized online and live-broadcasted in Muhammadiyah Youtube account and official social media. President of ‘Aisyiyah Central Board, Dr. Hj Siti Noordjannah Djohantini MM MSi, delivered her speech and President of Muhammadiyah Central Board, Prof Dr. H Haedar Nashir M.Si.

Initially, Siti Noordjannah explained the importance of women’s contribution to the pandemic. She continued that ‘Aisyiyah did not stop at da’wah and had a role amid community. “‘Aisyiyah leaders, cadres, volunteers, and sympathizers always work together. ‘Aisyiyah keeps on building the awareness about COVID-19 based on knowledge and religious views,” she said. She also inferred the importance of solidarity without boundaries. Because of the significant value to strengthening national unity to tackle COVID-19 is essential.

In his speech, Haedar Nashir explained that the diction choice of ‘optimistic’ in the Tanwir theme had a reason. The reason is to highlight the optimistic narration to all of Muhammadiyah members in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Tanwir theme is “Optimistically Tackle COVID-19 to succeed the 48th Muktamar”. I hope by the optimistic spirit, Tanwir will be carried out well for getting maslahat (benefit) of Muhammadiyah, the people, and the nation,” he said.

He also mentioned that the COVID-19 pandemic is not a partial problem; it is a universal problem. “It means that anybody cannot behave as they please because one another is connected and impactful towards society. The effort to tackle COVID-19 is a collective responsibility,” he added.