Muhammadiyah Solemnity for the Nation

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

Vice President Ma'ruf Amien hitting the gong marked the closing of the 48th Muktamar Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah at the Edutorium of the Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (UMS), Central Java, Sunday (11/20/2022).

Muhammadiyah's 48th Congress in Sukoharjo, Central Java, closed on Sunday (20/11/2022) evening. The organization emphasized its strategic role for the nation.

Before closing, the congress had decided that Haedar Nashir would return to become the general chairman of the Muhammadiyah central executive board for the 2022-2027 period accompanied by Abdul Mu'ti as general secretary. These two figures continue the same position from the previous period. The election went through several stages democratically, assisted by e-voting technology, the muktamirin(participants) at the KH Ahmad Dahlan Edutorium at Muhammadiyah University in Surakarta.

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The congress process, which went well and was productive again, shows the maturity of this organization. Founded by KH Ahmad Dahlan in the city of Yogyakarta in 1912, Muhammadiyah has proven to survive beyond the colonial period, the process of independence, post-independence and reformation until now. For 110 years, this association has played a role in advancing the Muslim community and the Indonesian nation.

Since its establishment, Muhammadiyah has been committed to promoting religious and national progress. This organization became an important part of the process of independence. Several figures from this community were the movers for the independence of the Republic of Indonesia, such as the proclaimer/the Republic of Indonesia's first president, Soekarno, Commander in Chief of the Indonesian Military (TNI), Gen. Soedirman, as well as member of the Indonesian Investigating Committee for Preparatory Work for Independence (BPUPKI) and the Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence (PPKI), Ki Bagus Hadikoesoemo.

KOMPAS

Muhammadiyah congress participants take a group photo. Haedar Nashir was appointed as General Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Executive board for the 2022-2027 period at the plenary session of the 48th Muktamar Muhammadiyah, in Sukoharjo, Central Java, Sunday (20/11/2022).

Apart from encouraging enlightenment of thought and discourse on Islamic progress, Muhammadiyah also takes real action through many community empowerment efforts. The management of this organization establishes, maintains and continues to develop dakwah (preaching), education, health and social and economic institutions. Many people, including those outside the Islamic community, enjoy this solemn benefit (of the service).

All efforts are expected to advance the Indonesian nation to continue to be strengthened according to the dynamics of the times. Now this country is facing an economic downturn after being stricken by the COVID-19 pandemic. The unity and togetherness of the nation is also being tested by pragmatic local and national political contestation, the closest to the 2024 election. At the same time, the potential infiltration of extremism in global religious understanding still threatens the harmonious relations of a pluralistic society.

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Muhammadiyah is one of the mainstays of the Indonesian nation in overcoming these various problems. Experience, maturity, good management and the contribution of the organization's human resources are an important part of efforts to create a smarter and more prosperous nation in the future.

We are optimistic that these expectations can be fulfilled. Quoting Haedar Nashir's speech at the congress: at the age of 110, Muhammadiyah is committed to building Islamic praxis that presents the progress of life for the whole nation, the state and global humanity.

This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo.