EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – The Muhammadiyah Central Board, through its Department of International Relations and Cooperation, welcomed Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman, President of Australia’s National Imams Council, for a high-level meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday (15/7). 

The discussions marked an important step toward strengthening ties between Muslim communities in Indonesia and Australia as both countries navigate increasingly complex global challenges and more diverse, multicultural societies. 

Syafiq A. Mughni, Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Board, said relations between Indonesia and Australia should extend beyond government-to-government cooperation. According to him, people-to-people engagement rooted in Islamic values could strengthen the bond between the two countries.

“Muhammadiyah believes that the relationship between Indonesia and Australia is not merely a partnership between two states,” Syafiq said. “It should also be strengthened through closer ties between our societies, particularly in education, dialogue, and humanitarian cooperation.”

Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman shared that view, describing the partnership as an important step toward strengthening the role of Muslim communities in addressing the challenges of increasingly diverse societies.

He also stressed the need for an Islamic narrative that is moderate, inclusive, and responsive to contemporary realities.

“We need an Islamic narrative that is moderate, inclusive, and relevant to the challenges of our time,” he said. “Young Muslims living in multicultural societies need role models and opportunities for collaboration so they can become part of the solution to society’s challenges.”

Expanding Cooperation in Leadership and Peacebuilding

During the meeting, LHKI Secretary Yayah Khisbiyah introduced the Peace and Conflict Fellowship, an initiative designed to strengthen the capacity and networks of young leaders, community figures, academics, and practitioners working in peacebuilding and conflict transformation.

The two sides also explored several areas for future cooperation. One proposal focused on Global Muslim Leadership, an initiative aimed at preparing Muslim leaders to make constructive contributions to pluralistic and multicultural societies, particularly across the Asia-Pacific region. Another centered on Youth and Professional Exchange, which seeks to strengthen connections among Indonesian and Australian students and young professionals through exchange and leadership development programs. The initiative would build on existing platforms, including the Australia-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program (AIMEP) and Muslims for Shared Actions on Climate Impact (MOSAIC).

According to Muhammadiyah, Sheikh Shadi and the Australian delegation welcomed the proposals and expressed interest in pursuing further collaboration.

“Muhammadiyah believes that dialogue, collaboration, and mutual learning among Muslim communities around the world are essential investments in peace and global civilization,” Yayah said.

The meeting was also attended by Imam Addaraqutni, Chairman of LHKI PP Muhammadiyah; Indonesian Ambassador Bunyan Saptomo; Kate Fletcher, Political Counsellor at the Australian Embassy; and Anggina Hanum from the embassy’s development team.

The gathering reaffirmed Muhammadiyah’s commitment to expanding international partnerships that promote peace, strengthen civil society, and cultivate global Muslim leadership.

As geopolitical tensions evolve and digital transformation accelerates, participants agreed that collaboration across borders and communities will become increasingly important in addressing shared humanitarian challenges and building a more peaceful, inclusive, and civilized future. (Bhisma)

 

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