The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) is forging deeper connections with Indonesian government bodies to enhance bilateral relations, focusing on Madrasah scholarships and Halal product certification. This initiative aims to provide significant benefits to Muslim Filipinos, particularly the younger generation, through educational opportunities in Indonesia.
NCMF Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim highlighted the importance of these partnerships, stating that the recent mission to Jakarta was successful. The General of Islamic Education from Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs showed keen interest in offering scholarships at Pondok Pesantren Darullughah Wadda’Wah, which includes a living allowance. The NCMF is currently drafting a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalize this scholarship program.
In addition to educational opportunities, the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) encouraged Muslim Filipinos to pursue higher education at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia, which specializes in Islamic studies and offers various research facilities.
On the Hajj front, NCMF and Indonesia’s Hajj Organizing Agency (BP Haji) discussed ways to improve the annual pilgrimage to Makkah. BP Haji’s chief, Mochammad Irfan Yusuf, emphasized the importance of the Tri Sukses Hajj vision, which focuses on ritual, economic, and civilization success. With Indonesia’s Muslim population at 87.2% in 2024, the number of pilgrims continues to grow, prompting BP Haji to seek innovative collaborations with NCMF to enhance Hajj services.
In the realm of Halal accreditation, NCMF and Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) are working on an MOU to be completed by March or April 2025. This agreement will cover Halal certification for a wide range of products, from food and beverages to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. BPJPH suggested using a unified Halal logo for accredited Halal-certifying bodies (HCBs), of which NCMF has accredited 12 as of December 2024.
Further cooperation includes capacity development for NCMF’s Endowment Division with LPDP, and information exchange on managing Muslim prisoners with Indonesia’s Directorate General of Corrections. Additionally, NCMF is exploring partnerships with the Badan Arbitrase Nasional Indonesia for dispute resolution services.
Abdurahim expressed gratitude to Chargé d’Affaires Gonaranao Musor for facilitating these crucial meetings, which are set to benefit Muslim Filipinos significantly.