Kemenbud-Muhammadiyah Signs MoU, Cultural Da'wah to Enter the Film to Digital Platform
JAKARTA - The Ministry of Culture and the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the promotion of culture, art development, and cultural preaching through film, music, festivals, museums, and digital platforms.
The agreement was signed at the National Working Meeting of the PP Muhammadiyah Cultural Arts Agency at the Grand Theater of Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta, Friday (10/7).
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said Muhammadiyah is a strategic partner of the government because it has a wide network, long experience, and a strong social base in education, preaching, and culture.
According to Fadli, culture must be seen as a national capital as well as a diplomatic strength. In many countries, museums, art, and culture are not only a means of education, but also drive the creative economy, tourism, and international relations.
"We hope that the Ministry of Culture and the Muhammadiyah Cultural Arts Institute will continue to collaborate in the development of art, film, music, cultural festivals, museums, and the empowerment of the younger generation," said Fadli.
He emphasized that religion and culture do not need to be conflicted. In the history of Islam in the archipelago, the spread of religion took place through cultural dialogue and gave birth to various expressions, ranging from mosque architecture, calligraphy, woodcarving, traditional music, to folk art.
Therefore, culture is considered to be a medium of da'wah as long as it is based on the values of tauhid, akhlak, and maslahah.
PP Muhammadiyah Chairman Haedar Nashir said his organization has long given space for art and culture. According to Haedar, art does not stop as entertainment, but can be used for preaching, enlightenment of humanity, and strengthening spiritual values.
"Muhammadiyah views art not only for art, but art for da'wah, art for enlightenment of humanity, and art for transcendence," he said.
The memorandum of understanding will be the basis for collaboration between the government and Muhammadiyah in various cultural programs. One of the focuses is strengthening the network of artists, filmmakers, writers, and cultural workers in the Muhammadiyah environment, including developing the use of digital and audiovisual media for the glory of Islam.
The National Congress also discussed the opportunity to establish an art study program at Muhammadiyah-‘Aisyiyah Universities as well as the position of art and culture as one of the spearheads of dawah.
Through this cooperation, the Ministry of Culture and Muhammadiyah hope that art will not only grow as a community activity, but will become an important part of education, preaching, character strengthening, and national cultural development.