"A mass organization will gradually be abandoned by the people if it has no potent impact nor provide concrete benefits to public life," Susanto said in a written statement received here Sunday.
He made the statement while speaking at the Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Conferences of 2023, held in Cilegon, Banten, on Saturday (May 27). "Exciting Da'wah, Creating a Progressive Cilegon" was chosen as the theme of the event.
On the occasion, he cited Muhammadiyah, founded by Ahmad Dahlan in 1912, as the good instance of a strong and influential Islamic organization. He said Muhammadiyah has been spreading a never-fading fighting spirit.
"As successors, we must be able to carry on the spirit and collaborate it with grounded plans and programs," he noted.
Today, he added, all Islamic organizations, including Muhammadiyah, are facing poverty and illiteracy as their main challenges.
"If we have the determination to make moves, then we will be able to eradicate poverty and illiteracy, as the efforts to eradicate them begin with movements of the Islamic organizations as the representatives of society.
The deputy speaker also lauded Muhammadiyah for its tremendous efforts in eradicating poverty and illiteracy. Such efforts are reflected in its role in education and health sectors.
"Muhammadiyah has built so many reputable schools and higher education institutions as well as hospitals to support the health sector. Muhammadiyah has made remarkable contributions to the country," he pointed out.
Among those attending the conferences were Deputy Mayor of Cilegon Helldy Agustian.and local Muhammadiyah figure Hasan Alaydrus.
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Translator: Melalusa Susthira, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
