Introduction to Muhammadiyah

Established in 1912 by Kyai Haji Ahmad Dahlan, Muhammadiyah is Indonesia's oldest Islamic reformist organization promoting a modern Islam through education, health and social services. Muhammadiyah and its affiliated women's organisation, Aisyiyah, have an estimated 29 million members. Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah, though technically autonomous, work closely together on social programs throughout Indonesia. Muhammadiyah currently own and manage schools and universities, masjids, orphanages, as well as hospitals and clinics.

Education First

Article 2 of the first Muhammadiyah constitution in 1912 stated that the objective of the organisation was the promotion of Islamic education, by combining Islamic teaching into the existing secular Dutch education system. Since than, Muhammadiyah prioritised its program in the establishment of Islamic schools, from Kindergarten to elementary schools.  The prioritising of Muhammadiyah program approach in education was found as a very strategic instrumental approach, not only in promoting the education during the Dutch colonial era, but also for preparing broad-minded future leaders of Indonesia. The first and second President of Indonesia, Sukarno and Suharto were educated in Muhammadiyah schools. The founder of the Indonesian Army, Grand General Sudirman was formerly a Muhammadiyah Boy Scout leader. Nowadays, most of Muhammadiyah alumni and leaders are the front liners in promoting the religion of Islam together with advancement in knowledge, democratisation and multiculturalism in Indonesia.