MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, METRO – Muhammadiyah has achieved a significant milestone with the launch of a new medical faculty at Universitas Muhammadiyah (UM) Metro. Thus, the total number of medical schools under the Muhammadiyah-Aisyiyah higher education institutions has now reached 17.
“This is a remarkable achievement, and we commend the efforts of everyone involved,” said the Secretary of Muhammadiyah Izzul Muslimin at the inauguration of the new faculty on Thursday, September 26.
The establishment of these medical faculties is seen as a direct response to the ongoing shortage of doctors in Indonesia. This issue has been a long-standing concern for Muhammadiyah, dating back to the movement’s founding by Kiai Ahmad Dahlan.
“Kiai Dahlan once said, ‘Become doctors, lawyers, engineers, and don’t forget to return to Muhammadiyah’. This inspiring message has motivated the establishment of numerous Muhammadiyah universities with medical faculties,” said Izzul.
This legacy was carried on by Kiai Ibrahim bin Fadlil, who succeeded Kiai Dahlan as the President of Muhammadiyah. Ibrahim founded the Fonds Dahlan, a scholarship program that sent Muhammadiyah members abroad for pursuing higher studies.
“In 1924, five Muhammadiyah members received the Fonds Dahlan and pursued higher education in Lahore, Pakistan,” said Izzul.
Therefore, the establishment of Muhammadiyah educational institutions, including medical schools, is not a spontaneous occurrence. It is Muhammadiyah commitment to developing Indonesian human resources since the era of Kiai Dahlan.
Izzul Muslimin expressed his hope that Muhammadiyah efforts to produce high-quality human resources would continue to receive support from both within and outside the organization, including the government.
