Muhammadiyah Launches Master's Scholarships for Dai in Remote Areas

The Muhammadiyah Central Leadership Community Da’wah Institute (LDK) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the quality of human resources among preachers (dai). This commitment is manifested through the launch of the Master of Islamic Religious Education Scholarship programme. The programme is specifically designed for preachers currently undertaking da’wah duties across various regions of Indonesia, including the underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas.

The launch of the scholarship programme was marked by a symbolic handover on Thursday (25/06/2026), coinciding with the National Dialogue and the Launch of the ‘Moving to Enlighten’ Book at the National Library of Indonesia, Jakarta. Symbolically, the scholarship was presented by the General Treasurer of the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership, Hilman Latief, to the Chairman of LDK PP Muhammadiyah, Muchamad Arifin. Also in attendance were the Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, Kiai Saad Ibrahim, and Syamsul Anwar.

This scholarship programme is the result of a collaboration between LDK PP Muhammadiyah and the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FAI) at the University of Muhammadiyah North Sumatra (UMSU). It serves as part of an effort to strengthen the intellectual capacity and da’wah competence of Muhammadiyah preachers stationed in regions where access to education remains limited.

The Chairman of LDK PP Muhammadiyah, Muchamad Arifin, stated that the service of preachers in 3T regions is a struggle that requires tangible support, including opportunities to pursue higher education.

“For a long time, many preachers have chosen to dedicate themselves to remote areas, meaning opportunities to continue their studies are very limited. Through this scholarship programme, we want to ensure they still have the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree without having to abandon their spirit of service to the community,” Arifin said in a written statement on Sunday (05/07/2026).

According to him, increasing the academic capacity of preachers will have a direct impact on the quality of da’wah services, community guidance, community empowerment, and the strengthening of social resilience in Muhammadiyah-managed areas.

“Today’s da’wah requires preachers who possess not only sincerity and a spirit of service but also evolving scientific capacity to be able to address various community issues wisely and with solutions,” he added.