Muhammadiyah EMT Becomes Indonesia’s First WHO-Verified Team: A Milestone in Global Humanitarian Mission

PWMJATENG.COM, Yogyakarta – The Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) under the Central Board of Muhammadiyah held the verification event for the Muhammadiyah Emergency Medical Team (EMT) on Saturday–Sunday (October 18). This event marked a major milestone in Muhammadiyah’s long journey toward international recognition by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The opening ceremony on Saturday (October 18) was attended by prominent figures, including Chairman of Muhammadiyah Central Board, Agus Taufiqurrahman; WHO Headquarters Secretariat, Roy Anthony Cosico; WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) EMT Focal Point, Sean Casey; Chairman of MDMC, Budi Setiawan; leaders of Muhammadiyah councils and institutions; WHO verification teams; and members of Muhammadiyah’s EMT from various regions.

In his speech, MDMC Chairman Budi Setiawan stated that after nearly nine years of preparation and service, Muhammadiyah’s EMT had finally reached the crucial stage of WHO verification. “Our journey began with humanitarian responses such as Typhoon Haiyan in Nepal, the earthquake in Türkiye, the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh, and various disaster responses across Indonesia,” he said.

Budi emphasized that establishing an internationally standardized EMT is an essential step in global disaster response. He expressed gratitude to all supporting parties — including the Muhammadiyah Central Board, Lazismu, the Council for Public Health (MPKU), the Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (Diktilitbang), and all Muhammadiyah stakeholders. “This effort is not only for Muhammadiyah but also for our nation’s pride. Muhammadiyah’s EMT will be the first in Indonesia to be verified by WHO,” he added.

Sean Casey from WHO WPRO underscored the significance of this verification process, as it is the first to be conducted in Indonesia. “MDMC has remarkable experience in humanitarian and disaster response across various regions. This verification is a concrete step toward global EMT standardization,” he said.

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He also acknowledged Indonesia’s major contribution through MDMC to global health initiatives. According to Casey, verification is not the final goal but rather the beginning of ongoing capacity building. “Enhancing the skills and preparedness of EMT members is crucial for continued growth and stronger humanitarian impact,” he noted.

WHO Secretariat representative Roy Anthony Cosico also expressed his appreciation for Muhammadiyah’s commitment to strengthening emergency medical resilience in the Asia-Pacific region. He described Muhammadiyah’s approach as a model for collaboration between civil society organizations and international institutions.

Chairman of Muhammadiyah Central Board, Agus Taufiqurrahman, emphasized that the Muhammadiyah EMT represents part of Muhammadiyah’s internationalization efforts. He explained that Muhammadiyah’s internationalization encompasses three aspects: ideas, roles, and movements. “The Muhammadiyah EMT is a concrete expression of our global movement. Through this team, Muhammadiyah contributes directly to humanity, the nation, and the global community,” Agus stated.

He also highlighted the One Muhammadiyah One Response (OMOR) concept as a coordinated strategy in disaster management, ensuring all Muhammadiyah entities—from the central level to grassroots—work in an integrated manner. “In Muhammadiyah, what we do is part of our humanitarian mission. Through EMT, we want to show that compassion and humanitarian service are integral to our da’wah,” he affirmed.

This verification marks a historic moment not only for Muhammadiyah but also for Indonesia. Muhammadiyah’s EMT stands as the country’s first WHO-verified emergency medical team. Moving forward, this milestone is expected to strengthen Muhammadiyah’s position in the global humanitarian landscape and affirm Indonesia’s identity as a pioneer of solidarity and compassion worldwide.

Ass Editor : Ahmad; Editor : M Taufiq Ulinuha