IndonesianTalk.com — Halalbihalal of Muhammadiyah Central Leadership at UMJ: Strengthening Unity and National Collaboration
Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) once again played host to the Halalbihalal gathering of the Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board (PP Muhammadiyah), held with warmth and solemnity at the KH. Ahmad Azhar Basyir Auditorium, Cendekia Building, UMJ, on Saturday, April 19.
This annual event served as a meaningful symbol of reinforced silaturahmi (Islamic social bonding), synergy, and collaboration for the betterment of the Muslim community, the nation, and humanity.
Indonesia Enlightened: True to the Muhammadiyah logo — a sun radiating twelve rays in all directions — the organization continues to illuminate the nation through its moderate, progressive, and reformist values. This spirit is also reflected in the increasing number of Muhammadiyah-affiliated leaders now serving in government roles, bringing moderation, tolerance, and renewal to the forefront of national policy.
UMJ Rector, Prof. Dr. Ma’mun Murod Al-Barbasy, opened the event by extending heartfelt Eid greetings to all guests.
“Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum,” he said, expressing his hopes that all Ramadan worship would be accepted by Allah (SwT) and that everyone may be granted the opportunity to once again welcome the holy month next year.
Ma’mun also expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in UMJ.
“Thank you to PP Muhammadiyah for trusting UMJ to once again be the host of this Halalbihalal,” he remarked. He humbly apologized for any shortcomings in the event’s organization.
Silaturahmi: A Path to Civilization and Unity
Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, Prof. Dr. Haedar Nashir, emphasized the essential role of silaturahmi in strengthening brotherhood and cross-sector collaboration.
He noted that this year’s Halalbihalal had been held twice — first in Yogyakarta and now in Jakarta — as part of Muhammadiyah’s ongoing spiritual and social consolidation.
“Silaturahmi has two key dimensions: exclusive and inclusive. Exclusively, it strengthens ukhuwah imaniyah (faith-based brotherhood) as mentioned in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 10. Inclusively, it becomes a bridge for building a better national and humanitarian order,” Haedar explained.
He highlighted that the core values of silaturahmi include gentleness, tolerance, accompaniment in righteousness (rifq), and a commitment to solving the challenges faced by the community and the nation.
“Through this Halalbihalal, we aim to strengthen communication, collaboration, and cooperation to build a better Muslim community, a stronger nation, and universal human welfare,” he added.
Haedar also underscored the need to avoid collaborations based on conspiracies or wrongdoing, instead promoting values of goodness and piety.
“Indonesia was built on diversity and unity. Pancasila is the country’s foundation, while religion and culture remain vital components of our national identity,” he stated.
A Gathering of National Leaders and International Guests
The event was attended by members of PP Muhammadiyah, PP Aisyiyah, and numerous national figures from government ministries and institutions, including:
Abdul Mu’ti, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education
Zulkifli Hasan, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs
KH Marsudi Syuhud, Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI)
Brian Yuliarto, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology
Fahri Hamzah, Deputy Minister of Housing and Settlements
Also present were:
Anggito Abimanyu, Deputy Minister of Finance
Viva Yoga Mauladi, Deputy Minister of Transmigration
Agus Jabo Priyono, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs
Achmad Riza Patria, Deputy Minister for Villages and Regional Development
Fajar Riza Ul Haq, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education
The event was further enriched by the presence of ambassadors from friendly nations including the United States, Australia, Ukraine, and Kenya.
Other notable attendees included Prof. Agus Suradika, Rector of UTM Jakarta, as well as the leadership team of UMJ, including vice-rectors, and representatives from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, and Judicial Commission.
Prominent figures such as Sutrisno Bachir (former PAN Chairman), Rahmat Hidayat (Secretary General of the Indonesian Mosque Council), and Jeje Zaenudin (Chairman of Persis) were also in attendance. Ismeth Wibowo, grandson of Ir. H. Djuanda — Indonesia’s last Prime Minister and a Muhammadiyah cadre — was among the distinguished guests.
The Essence of Silaturahmi in Islam
In Islam, silaturahmi is more than a social tradition — it is an expression of faith and morality. It acts as a unifier of the ummah, a safeguard against division, and a foundation for a just, peaceful, and civilized society. In the context of nationhood, silaturahmi helps strengthen social cohesion and bridge differences.
Haedar concluded with a reminder that Halalbihalal should not only be seen as a physical gathering, but also as a moment to renew Muhammadiyah’s commitment to building a noble civilization rooted in progressive Islamic values.
“We hope that through this Halalbihalal, we further strengthen our Muhammadiyah spirit and continue to build meaningful relationships in pursuit of advancing the ummah, the nation, and humanity,” he said.
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