THE NATIONAL Commission on Muslim Filipinos confirmed that they have reached out to the Indonesian government to establish bilateral cooperation, including Madrasah scholarships and Halal products, aimed at benefiting more Muslim Filipinos.

NCMF Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim shared that the recent mission to Jakarta was productive. The General of Islamic Education from Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs expressed interest in offering Madrasah scholarships to Muslim Filipinos at Pondok Pesantren Darullughah Wadda’Wah, including living allowances.

Abdurahim said the NCMF, through its Bureau of Muslim Cultural Affairs, is preparing a memorandum of understanding for the scholarships.

In addition to the Madrasah scholarships, Indonesia’s Endowment Fund for Education encouraged Muslim Filipinos to apply for Master of Arts or Doctor of Philosophy programs at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia, a newly established institution offering programs focused on Islamic studies and the Muslim world.

Abdurahim also noted that NCMF and Indonesia’s Hajj Organizing Agency (BP Haji) are exploring cooperation in organizing the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and sharing best practices. BP Haji Chief Mochammad Irfan Yusuf emphasized the agency’s commitment to the vision of Tri Sukses Hajj, focusing on ritual, economic, and civilization success.