The 105^th anniversary, to be celebrated at the palace’s Pagelaran Hall, is expected to be attended by figures and leaders of different religious organizations, political parties and mass organizations as well as representatives of Muhammadiyah’s branches from across Indonesia.

“We have a cultural concept for this year’s anniversary celebration, accounting for why we chose the palace as the venue,” Muhammadiyah’s chairman, Haedar Nashir, told journalists at the organization's headquarters in Yogyakarta on Thursday.

He added that previously, Muhammadiyah’s anniversary celebrations were always held in campuses or buildings belonging to the organization.

“There is no political motive behind the decision [to have the celebration at Yogyakarta Palace]. The initiative came from us,” said Haedar, adding that for this year’s celebration Muhammadiyah will use the theme of "gluing togetherness."

He said the theme was chosen based on several considerations, including the fact that there had been incidents in the country that caused restlessness in the community.

Meanwhile, Muhamadiyah’s deputy secretary, Agung Danarto, said during the celebration, the organization would also present awards to three people considered to have rendered good services for the organization.

The three include Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X of Yogyakarta Palace; H Roemani, who has dedicated himself to the development of Muhammadiyah hospitals; and Japanese researcher Mitsuo Nakamura for his research on Islam, especially on Muhammadiyah. (ebf)

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