Muhammadiyah EMT Holds Field Exercise, Ready to be Tested by WHO for International Standards

PWMJATENG.COM, Yogyakarta – Muhammadiyah’s Emergency Medical Team (EMT) conducted a Field Exercise as the final preparation for verification by the World Health Organization (WHO). The activity took place on 15–17 September 2025 at Sumbersari Field, Yogyakarta, involving 35 team members.

This field exercise was a follow-up to the WHO pre-verification held on 9–10 July 2025. Based on the assessment results, Muhammadiyah EMT was deemed eligible to proceed to the full verification stage in pursuit of international recognition as a WHO-standard emergency medical team.

During the implementation of the exercise, the team received support from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), International Search and Rescue (ISAR) Germany, the Council for Public Health Development (MPKU), the Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development of Muhammadiyah Central Board, and Lazismu of Muhammadiyah Central Board. This support served as a reinforcement in enhancing the team’s operational and logistical standards.

The field exercise was designed to test all aspects of the team’s readiness. The series of simulations included setting up a field hospital, mapping the operational area, providing emergency medical services, as well as evaluating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and team work mechanisms.

Chairman of Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) Central Board, Budi Setiawan, emphasized the importance of this agenda. According to him, the field exercise was not merely a simulation but a form of proof of the team’s readiness to face WHO’s examination.

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“Alhamdulillah, after undergoing various stages of WHO evaluation and with the support of ISAR Germany and RKI, Muhammadiyah’s Emergency Medical Team has made significant improvements to its SOPs and logistical equipment. We hope the final verification by WHO, scheduled at the end of this month, will run smoothly,” said Budi.

He further added that the field exercise provided the team with an opportunity to test both theory and practice in real conditions. “The SOPs that have been prepared are truly tested here. Our medical, logistics, and support teams are working together to demonstrate full readiness to serve communities affected by disasters,” he explained.

Beyond technical strengthening, this activity also reaffirmed Muhammadiyah’s commitment in disaster management and humanitarian response. Muhammadiyah seeks to show that its role is not limited to the national level, but also extends to participation in global missions.

Should Muhammadiyah EMT successfully pass the verification, Muhammadiyah will become one of the civil society organizations in Indonesia with an internationally recognized EMT. The team would then be eligible for deployment in humanitarian operations both domestically and abroad.

This achievement would also strengthen Muhammadiyah’s position as one of the key actors in global disaster response. Budi Setiawan stated that the success of the verification would be a source of pride not only for Muhammadiyah but also for the Indonesian nation.

“WHO verification is not merely a formal acknowledgment. It is a form of global trust that Indonesia is capable of fielding an emergency medical team ready to assist anyone, anywhere, when disaster strikes,” he declared.

Ass Editor : Ahmad; Editor : M Taufiq Ulinuha