MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Chairman of Muhammadiyah’s Central Board (PP Muhammadiyah), Agung Danarto, linked the spirit of the 1928 Sumpah Pemuda (Indonesian Youth Pledge) with the exemplary story of the prophets in the Qur’an. He emphasized that youth hold tremendous potential to drive positive change, both from within and outside positions of power.
This perspective was delivered during PP Muhammadiyah’s Religious Lecture held in Jakarta on Friday (10/10). Agung opened his lecture by recalling the 1928 Indonesian Youth Pledge, where leaders under the age of 30 succeeded in creating a historic agreement that continues to serve as the foundation of today’s national life.
They had their visions, and that spirit must serve as an inspiration for today’s young generation,” he said.
Agung then referred to stories from the Qur’an to strengthen his message. He highlighted Prophet Ibrahim in Surah Al-Anbiya verse 60, who, in his early 20s, bravely destroyed statues worshipped by his people as an act of resistance against polytheism.
“Ibrahim’s intellectual journey was full of struggles but ultimately led to unwavering spiritual conviction in Allah,” Agung explained, stressing Ibrahim’s steadfastness in upholding the truth.
He also cited the story of Prophet Yusuf in Surah Yusuf verse 30, who was able to resist temptation from a wealthy and beautiful woman. “In today’s era of increasing temptations, Yusuf’s story is a reminder that young people must maintain self control by holding firmly to Allah’s commandment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prophet Musa was mentioned as a young man who courageously stood up against Pharaoh’s tyranny. Starting from witnessing inhumane patterns of slavery, Musa ultimately challenged an oppressive regime.
Agung explained that these three prophets demonstrated different approaches to struggle: “Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Musa resisted the autocratic regime from the outside. Prophet Yusuf, on the other hand, developed character and served society from within,” he explained.
Inspiration for Muhammadiyah Cadre
Agung emphasized that Muhammadiyah does not view struggles from within or outside the government as superior to one another. Instead, the focus is on building an ideal Islamic society.
As a socio-religious organization, Muhammadiyah does not pursue political power but is oriented toward building an advanced civilization.
“If Muhammadiyah cadres are appointed as ministers, that’s good. But if not, that’s fine too. What matters most is how we can become people who bring the greatest benefit to society,” Agung affirmed.
He added that Muhammadiyah’s goal is not to increase the number of cadres in government but to focus on shaping a virtuous society. “We aim to build an excellent civilization, not merely political dispersion, but a truly Islamic society.,” he concluded.
The lecture served as a reminder that young people play a strategic role in realizing Muhammadiyah’s grand vision. By following the steadfastness of Ibrahim, the self-control of Yusuf, the courage of Musa, and the spirit of the Indonesian Youth Heroes.
The event was attended by various Muhammadiyah-associated groups and became a momentum to awaken the spirit of youth to contribute to both religion and nation-building.
