MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – The Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia, Marc Gerritsen, accompanied by Mark Hengstman, First Secretary for Political Affairs at the Dutch Embassy, visited the Muhammadiyah office, Jakarta on Wednesday, January 15. The visit aimed to explore opportunities for cooperation in agriculture and promote understanding on issues of religious moderation.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir and Muhammadiyah leaders, including Chairperson Syafiq Mughni, Secretary Muhammad Sayuti, Head of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation Imam Ad Daruquthni, and a member of the Council for Primary, Secondary, and Non-Formal Education Alpha Amirrachman. Haedar expressed his appreciation for the strong and growing relations between Indonesia and the Netherlands and highlighted Muhammadiyah diverse contributions to society.
“Although we are a faith-based organization, Muhammadiyah has focused on many areas, including agriculture. We are working to empower Indonesian farmers. For example, on Java Island, we support farmers producing flour, cassava, and mocaf (modified cassava flour), which are already being exported,” Haedar said.
Recognizing the Netherlands as one of the world’s largest agricultural exporters despite its small land area, Haedar emphasized the potential for collaboration between Muhammadiyah and the Netherlands to advance agricultural innovation in Indonesia.
The discussion also touched on the growing issue of Islamophobia, which is not only prevalent in Europe, including the Netherlands, but also present in Indonesia. Haedar stressed the importance of fostering a moderate and inclusive understanding of Islam to address such challenges.
“Organizations like Muhammadiyah and NU (Nahdlatul Ulama) can play a vital role in building positive relations with other countries through their moderate views,” he said.
Furthermore, Haedar hoped that the meeting would lead to tangible collaboration, particularly in agriculture and foster religious understanding. He also mentioned plans to host an international forum on Islam and humanity, aimed at creating a more inclusive and dynamic dialogue.
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