MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, PEKANBARU – Muhammadiyah boasts an impressive network of healthcare and educational institutions today. This includes 122 Muhammadiyah-Aisyiyah Hospitals and 400 health clinics. However, the journey to this achievement wasn’t always smooth sailing.
In fact, the initial ideas for establishing these institutions were met with ridicule in 1920, during Muhammadiyah Annual Meeting. Kiai Sudja’, the head of the Public Health (PKO) division at the time, proposed the creation of health services or hospitals.
“This suggestion was scoffed at, as only the Dutch colonial government was seen as capable of undertaking such an endeavor. Despite the mockery, Kiai Sudja’ remained firm in his conviction,” said President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir at Universitas Muhammadiyah Riau (UMRI), Pekanbaru, on Monday (June 24).
That same year, another ambitious idea was presented by Kiai Hisyam, the Head of the School Division. He proposed the establishment of a grand school and university. Just like the idea for hospitals, this proposal was also met with laughter. The idea of Muslims establishing a prestigious university was seen as unrealistic and expensive.
“The initial skepticism surrounding these proposals stemmed from the fact that Muslims, at that time, were generally considered to be lagging behind,” said Haedar.
The colonial government was viewed as the only entity with the resources and capabilities to establish such institutions.
Haedar Nashir acknowledged that the initial ideas were indeed expensive and could not be immediately realized.
However, time has proven to be a great equalizer. Muhammadiyah has persevered and grown into a leading Islamic organization, boasting a vast network of hospitals and universities across Indonesia.
The establishment of these institutions is attributed to Muhammadiyah core values of renewal. As explained by Professor Mukti Ali, these values set Muhammadiyah apart from other Islamic reform movements. According to Haedar, while other movements focused more on Islamic revivalism, Muhammadiyah embraced Islamic modernism.
Professor Mukti Ali further highlights that Muhammadiyah unique approach to praxis movements is another key differentiator. Muhammadiyah stands out for its establishment of women’s movements and modern Islamic institutions, which were not undertaken by other Islamic movements at that time.
