EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – The Department of Strategic Studies and Partnerships of the Muhammadiyah Central Board (LKKS PP Muhammadiyah) will hold the second batch of the Muhammadiyah Youth Interfaith Leadership Program (MY-ILP), also known as the Muhammadiyah Interfaith Student Leadership Training.
The program is going to take place in January 22–24, in Medan, North Sumatra. MY-ILP is a special leadership training program for non-Muslim students enrolled at Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Universities (PTMA).
Dani Setiawan, Secretary of LKKS PP Muhammadiyah said inclusivity is one of the defining characteristics of Muhammadiyah campuses. Although they are Islamic institutions, they also welcome students from other religious backgrounds.
“PTMA are open and inclusive universities. Anyone can study there regardless of ethnicity, religion, race, or social group. In fact, in eastern Indonesia, non-Muslim students make up the majority at some Muhammadiyah campuses,” Dani emphasized.
This social reality is consistent with research by Abdul Mu’ti, Secretary-General of the Muhammadiyah Central Board, and Fajar Riza Ul Haq, Chairperson of LKKS PP Muhammadiyah. Their findings show that interactions between Muhammadiyah and non-Muslim communities, particularly Christians, through education at Muhammadiyah schools and universities have given rise to a “new variant” known as Kristen Muhammadiyah (Krismuha), or Muhammadiyah Christians.
They remain firm in their religious beliefs while understanding, embracing, and supporting the Muhammadiyah movement.
MY-ILP as a Response to the Increasing Trend of Krismuha
In response to this reality, LKKS PP Muhammadiyah initiated a leadership development program specifically for non-Muslim students at PTMA.
“Through MY-ILP, we hope non-Muslim students at PTMA will become more familiar with and connected to the Muhammadiyah movement,” Dani added.
He also said the program is expected to serve as a model for preparing a generation of national leaders who are resilient, open-minded, and committed to humanitarian values and justice.
In the future, these students may serve in different fields while remaining steadfast in their respective faiths and beliefs and supporting Muhammadiyah’s movement and values.
An Effort to Strengthen National Unity
Meanwhile, MY-ILP Program Director Ari Susanto described the initiative as a strategic step toward strengthening national unity. He said it would also provide a shared space for interfaith collaboration in advancing the nation.
“Leadership development for non-Muslim students at Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah universities not only strengthens unity but also gives them room to work together and contribute to building the nation,” Ari said.
He stressed that the initiative reflects the ninth principle of Muhammadiyah’s organizational personality: assisting the government and cooperating with other groups to preserve and develop the country, with the aim of building a just and prosperous society under God’s guidance.
Putu Suartini, an alumna of the first MY-ILP batch who currently serves as Student President for the 2025–2026 term at Bali International Muhammadiyah University, said the program had played a role in shaping her leadership.
“Taking part in MY-ILP has helped us gain greater recognition on campus and strengthened our leadership among students. Muhammadiyah does not merely embrace non-Muslim students; it also provides them with guidance and development. This is an initiative that deserves great appreciation,” Putu said.
LKKS PP Muhammadiyah has opened registration for the second batch of MY-ILP from November 9 to 30, 2026. Administrative screening will take place from December 1 to 5, followed by interviews on December 11–12. The final list of successful applicants will be announced publicly on December 15, 2026.
