MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Irwan Akib stated that education is the foundation of a nation’s progress, and the government should ensure that every child has access to quality learning opportunities.
Irwan emphasized that education is a long-term investment, with results that may not be immediately visible. A strong education system will shape future generations, producing skilled individuals who contribute to the nation’s development.
Citing Aristotle, Arkib noted that today’s society is a reflection of the education received by previous generations. In the same way, the future of a nation depends on the quality of education its young people receive today.
“This emphasizes the vital role of education in shaping a nation’s future. It is not just an individual pursuit but a national investment,” said Irwan Akib as cited at khittah.co on Friday, March 21.
As a professor of mathematics education, Irwan cautioned against viewing education purely in financial terms or treating it as a system designed to produce uniform individuals.
If education becomes too rigid and mechanical, he warned, it risks losing its true purpose. People may become mere workers and consumers, unaware of their own potential, leading to exhaustion, frustration, and social unrest.
“Education should not only sharpen intelligence but also nurture empathy, understanding, and moral values,” mentioned Irwan Akib.
For education to truly empower a nation, he stressed, it must develop all aspects of a student’s potential, not just their intellectual abilities but also their emotional and spiritual character.
