Muhammadiyah Opens Free Health and Food Posts at NU Congress
Amidst the festivities of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress held at the Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Tambakberas, Jombang, a simple story of harmony between Indonesia’s two largest Islamic organisations has emerged. Muhammadiyah has chosen to participate in the 35th NU Congress not merely as a guest, but as a sibling contributing to the success of this quinquennial event for the Nahdliyin community.
The Jombang Regional Board (PD) of Muhammadiyah has actively supported the smooth running of the 3lag NU Congress in East Java. This support has been manifested through the establishment of posts providing free food distribution, healthcare services, and security assistance.
Sugeng Santoso, the person in charge of the Muhammadiyah post for the 35th NU Congress and Treasurer of PD Muhammadiyah Jombang, stated that this step is a reflection of the long-standing cooperation and harmony between Muhammadiyah and NU in Jombang. “Our leadership holds monthly gatherings. When NU holds an event, we participate to maintain harmony. We foster cooperation despite our differences in worship methods,” said Sugeng when met at the post on Sunday (30/8).
He added that the initiative is purely driven by humanitarian spirit and the desire of Muhammadiyah members in Jombang to ensure the success of the 35th NU Congress, without any ulterior motives. “We must show the community that, from a humanitarian perspective, we must help. We do not want anything in return; as residents of Jombang, we want to ensure the success of this event, and opening these posts is our way of contributing.”
Sugeng mentioned that before establishing the posts, his team presented their plans and sought permission from the Local Committee Chairman of the 35th NU Congress, KH Abdurrozaq Sholeh, also known as Gus Rozak. The local committee welcomed the initiative, allowing PD Muhammadiyah Jombang to set up posts around the congress venue. In the initial phase, they prepared 10,000 cups of meatball soup (bakso), 10,000 boiled eggs, and thousands of warm beverages for the congress participants.
“We from Muhammadiyah are also proud that Jombang is the host. Therefore, we are happy to contribute to the success of the congress by providing assistance,” he said.
To support the large-scale production of the food, Sugeng noted that they deployed a mobile community kitchen belonging to the East Java Regional Muhammadiyah (PW Muhammability) specifically to Jombang. Due to high enthusiasm, the number of meatball portions provided exceeded the initial target of 10,000, reaching over 12,000 portions. “Over the three days up until this morning, we have distributed 12,600 cups of meatballs. This exceeded our initial estimate,” he said.
In addition to food, Muhammadiyah has also provided healthcare services for attendees experiencing health issues during the event. Services include blood pressure checks and initial medical treatment for visitors with various ailments. Sugeng noted that while initially only four hospitals in Jombang deployed medical personnel, the East Java Regional Muhammadiyah later assisted by involving hospitals from surrounding areas. “There are blood pressure tests, and those feeling dizzy are provided with medication,” he added.
Beyond food and health posts, Muhammadiyah’s support for the 35th NU Congress is also evident in the security sector through the deployment of personnel from the Muhammadiyah Youth Command for Preparedness (Kokam). At least 100 to 200 Kokam personnel have been deployed to assist Banser, Pagar Nusa, and the TNI-Polri (Indonesian National Armed Forces and National Police) in maintaining traffic flow and security in the areas surrounding the boarding school.