JAKARTA – Deputy Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Wamendes PDT) Ahmad Riza Patria received an audience from the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Association of Muslim Intellectuals (Majelis Pengurus Pusat Ikatan Cendekiawan Muslim se-Indonesia / MPP ICMI) at the Kemendes PDT office, Jakarta, on Wednesday (November 4, 2026).

During the presentation, MPP ICMI executive and congress organizing committee member Lili Erawati announced that MPP ICMI will convene its National Congress (Muktamar) alongside ICMI’s 36th Anniversary celebration in December 2026. The ICMI Congress will gather Muslim intellectuals across diverse disciplines and professions, including academics, public officials, politicians, NGOs, civil society organizations, and specialized practitioners.

She further detailed that various international, national, and local activities will be held as part of the congress agenda, which carries the theme Transformation of Muslim Intellectuals for an Empowered, Civilized, and Sustainable Indonesia. The event will feature programs such as the National Leadership Camp, Halal, Waqf, and ZIS Festival, ICMI Charity Golf, ICMI Autonomous Bodies Conference, National Economic Forum, ICMI Figures Speaks, Women’s Conference, ICMI Cadre Workshop, ICMI RUN, and other associated events.

Lili also noted that ICMI operates an autonomous organ known as the ICMI Rapid Response Agency (Badan Reaksi Cepat / BARET), which focuses on humanitarian missions, disaster management, and environmental conservation. She expressed hope for joint collaboration with Kemendes PDT on disaster-related programs.

"BARET ICMI seeks to collaborate with the Deputy Minister of Villages on strategic disaster-related initiatives, covering both mitigation and emergency response. We also cordially invite the Deputy Minister to attend the ICMI Congress in Ambon on December 4–7, 2026," Lili stated.

Deputy Minister Ariza Patria welcomed ICMI’s initiatives, particularly those focused on rural communities. He noted that numerous joint activities can be implemented between Kemendes PDT and ICMI across villages nationwide.

Deputy Minister Ariza added that ICMI possesses domain experts and scholars whose work directly touches rural areas. He expressed confidence that ICMI's involvement will deliver concrete impacts for villages and rural residents, emphasizing that broader participation from civil society organizations and individuals accelerates rural development.

"There are many areas where we can partner—aligning ICMI's capabilities with Kemendes PDT's resources. Regarding disaster management, we welcome that proposal. We will further discuss our respective operational assets. ICMI possesses experts, and we look forward to concrete contributions for our villages. We at Kemendes PDT express our sincere gratitude for all stakeholders participating in rural development," Deputy Minister Ariza stated.

Accompanying Deputy Minister Ariza Patria at the meeting were Inspector General of Kemendes PDT Masyhudi and Director General of Village and Rural Development Nugroho Setijo Nagoro.

Photo: Didi/Kemendes PDT 
Author: Rifqi/Kemendes PDT