EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – The Muhammadiyah Central Board (PP Muhammadiyah) has formalized a strategic partnership with Kaikoukai Healthcare Cooperation of Japan by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in healthcare services and professional development. 

The agreement was signed on Saturday (18/7) by Haedar Nashir, President of Muhammadiyah, and Tetsuya Yamada, President of Kaikoukai Healthcare Cooperation. 

“This partnership will support Muhammadiyah’s strategic efforts to improve public health in Indonesia,” Haedar said.

He described Japan as one of Indonesia’s closest partners, citing not only the two countries’ longstanding relationship but also the cultural values they share. According to him, Japan’s work ethic, discipline, and hospitality complement Indonesian values and provide a strong foundation for sustainable collaboration.

“Japan has long been a close partner of Indonesia, and the warmth of Japanese culture resonates well with Indonesian society,” he said during the signing ceremony at the Muhammadiyah Central Board headquarters in Yogyakarta.

Haedar noted that Muhammadiyah and Kaikoukai have held several meetings over the past few years, gradually building a relationship that extends beyond healthcare cooperation to broader institutional partnerships in Japan.

Advancing Healthcare Through Innovation

He added that Muhammadiyah already has a Special Branch Board (PCIM) in Japan, and expressed hope that the new partnership would also strengthen the organization’s international network and outreach in the country.

“I hope this collaboration will also contribute to the continued development of Muhammadiyah’s branch in Japan,” he said.

Haedar said Muhammadiyah has encouraged its network of Muhammadiyah-‘Aisyiyah hospitals to actively participate in programs developed under the agreement. He also stressed that Muhammadiyah’s healthcare institutions should pursue transformation rather than merely revitalization.

“The four pillars introduced by Mr. Yamada reinforce the direction we are already taking,” Haedar said. “Without progressive transformation, we cannot build truly advanced healthcare institutions.”

According to Haedar, partnering with Kaikoukai—recognized as one of Japan’s leading healthcare providers—offers Muhammadiyah an important opportunity to further improve the quality of its medical services.

Focus on Dialysis and Elderly Care

Tetsuya Yamada explained that hemodialysis treatment is one of Kaikoukai’s core specialties. 

He noted that most dialysis patients undergo treatment because of complications related to diabetes. According to Yamada, more than 70 percent of Kaikoukai patients survive for at least five years after beginning dialysis, making it one of the strongest long-term outcomes in Japan.

Kaikoukai currently operates four hospitals: Nagoya Kyoritsu Hospital, Kaikoukai Rehabilitation Hospital, Kaikoukai Josai Hospital in Nagoya, and Toshima Chuo Hospital in Tokyo. 

Yamada also highlighted Japan’s rapidly aging population, which has significantly increased demand for healthcare professionals and elderly caregivers. 

“Many of our caregivers come from Indonesia,” he said. “We hope that even more graduates from Muhammadiyah universities will pursue careers in Japan.”

Expressing his appreciation for the partnership, Yamada said he expects the collaboration to continue expanding in the years ahead. 

“I am delighted to sign this MoU with the Muhammadiyah Central Board,” he said. “These four pillars will serve as the foundation of our partnership and strengthen the ties between Indonesia and Japan.” (syafa)

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