MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — Director of the Muhammadiyah Study Center and Chairman of the Council for Cadre Development and Human Resources (MPKSDI) of the Muhammadiyah Central Board (PP Muhammadiyah), Bachtiar Dwi Kurniawan, emphasized that human resource development cannot be separated from the formation of strong and sustainable character.
He delivered this message in his opening remarks at the Education Seminar: “Instilling the Character of Great Students towards a Golden Indonesia through 7 Habits of Great Children”, organized by the Muhammadiyah Study Center in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia at SM Tower Malioboro, Yogyakarta, on Thursday (9/10).
According to Bachtiar, character is the main foundation for building a nation. He quoted a line from the national anthem Indonesia Raya: bangunlah jiwanya, bangunlah badannya (build its soul, build its body). He interpreted the line as a reminder that human development must begin with the cultivation of the soul and mentality, not merely physical or intellectual aspects.
“One of the fundamental foundations in building human resources is character. Building character cannot be done instantly. It must be cultivated through education until it becomes part of the culture,” he said.
He stressed that transforming people’s mentality is a long term process that cannot be forced or achieved overnight.
“Mentality is essentially the result of a long process. It must be shaped through a continuous cultural strategy,” he explained.
Bachtiar noted that character traits such as discipline, orderliness, honesty, and trustworthiness must be instilled from the earliest stages of education. Such a process, he emphasized, cannot happen in just one night.
“We want our students to be intelligent, but also to have character. What’s the point of being smart if one is corrupt, dishonest, or untrustworthy?” said the lecturer from Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY).
He reminded the audience that true education is not merely about producing academically excellent students but also nurturing individuals with moral integrity.
Bachtiar added that good habits must be nurtured and cultivated so that they do not fade away over time. “If they are not cultivated, these good character traits will evaporate like steam,” he said.
On that occasion, he also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for its 7 Habits of Great Children program, which he believes aligns well with Muhammadiyah’s vision of character education. The program, according to him, can become a joint movement to shape a young generation that is not only intellectually capable but also morally and spiritually strong.
“Hopefully, the ministry will succeed in producing outstanding students and creating a generation of truly Indonesian youth,” he concluded. (Bintang Adrian)
