MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, KENDARI – Non-Muslims studying at Muhammadiyah educational institutions do not necessarily lose their adherence to their respective religions.
Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Department of Strategic Studies and Partnerships Fajar Riza Ul Haq highlighted that “Kristen Muhammadiyah” has become an interesting phenomenon to investigate. It is a circumstance that Non-Muslim and Muslim students have intense interactions in Muhammadiyah educational institutions.
“Despite their different faiths, students in these schools do not negate each other’s beliefs,” said Fajar in the book discussion conducted at Universitas Muhammadiyah (UM) Kendari on Saturday, August 24.
The book “Kristen Muhammadiyah”, published in 2009, reveals that in many Muhammadiyah educational institutions, especially in eastern Indonesia, non-Muslim students make up a substantial majority. In some universities, this figure even exceeds 80%. This demographic reality has compelled Muhammadiyah to create a learning environment that is both inclusive and respectful of diverse religious beliefs.
Fajar hoped that the book, co-authored with Secretary General of Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu’ti, could depict Muhammadiyah contribution to fostering tolerance in Indonesia, particularly in the 3T (frontier, outermost and remote) areas such as Ende, Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT); Serui, Papua; and Putussibau, Kalimantan Barat.
“Muhammadiyah presence throughout the country through its educational institutions is a tangible manifestation of its commitment to building a more inclusive and tolerant Indonesia,” Fajar added.
Meanwhile, Haz Algebra, the book’s editor, emphasized the importance of the empirical data presented in the study.
“The strength of this book lies in its presentation of solid empirical evidence, which is highly valuable in the academic field. I hope that future research can delve deeper into the origins of Ahmad Dahlan’s thoughts on pluralism,” said Haz Algebra.
