The President of Muhammadiyah Central Board, Prof Haedar Nashir accompanied by the Chairman of Muhammadiyah Central Board, Agus Taufiqurrahman were pleased to welcome the British Ambassador to Indonesia, Owen Jenkins to Muhammadiyah Central Board Office, Tuesday (21/06). The visitation, according to Prof Haedar, aimed to strengthen a close relationship that exists between the Muhammadiyah Foundation and the British Embassy.

During the visit, both parties intended to maintain and improve various collaborative programs in education and healthcare. “We look for new ways. The British Embassy will connect us to religious institutions in the United Kingdom (UK), so we can build harmonious collaboration, not only with the government of the UK but also the religious and social institutions in the UK,” Prof Haedar said.

Prof Haedar exposed Muhammadiyah and Moslem communities in Indonesia that are modern, tolerant, and peaceful, and highlight the values of inclusivity and plurality. He demonstrated several concrete non-discrimination actions of Muhammadiyah in Papua, East Nusa Tenggara, and the eastern part of Indonesia, irrespective of their culture, religion, ethnicity, etc.

Prof Haedar also appreciated the British Embassy’s arrival at Muhammadiyah Central Board Office. “We also invite Mr. Owen Jenkins to visit several Muhammadiyah higher education institutions and schools, including Madrasah Mu’allimin Yogyakarta, an International Islamic Boarding School,” he said. Responding to Prof Haedar’s statement, Muhammad Sayuti, the Secretary of Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (CHERD) exposed the discussion of the visit including collaboration between Muhammadiyah higher education institutions and the United Kingdom universities.

On the other hand, Owen explained that it was his first visit to Muhammadiyah and expressed his gratitude for a warm welcome. He admitted that the United Kingdom and Muhammadiyah had collaborated for a long period, and also expected that they could improve the collaboration in the following years. “We honour Muhammadiyah’s commitment to maintaining plurality, supporting Indonesian welfare, and upholding tolerance. Also, for the climate change issue, we appreciate and respect Muhammadiyah’s steps in nature conservancy,” he said.