MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MALANG – Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Muhadjir Effendy delivered his long-awaited professor inauguration speech in the field of Sociology of Non-Formal Education at Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) on February 13.
Although he was officially appointed as a professor on September 30, 2014, the inauguration ceremony was only held a decade later. Acknowledging the delay, Muhadjir jokingly referred to his speech not as an inauguration but as a “pre-retirement professor speech,” emphasizing its different significance.
“In an inaugural speech, a professor explains why they were appointed. In contrast, a speech before retirement reflects on what they have accomplished,” said Muhadjir.
His speech, entitled “Empirical and Theoretical Reflections on Education as a Pillar of Human Development towards Indonesia Emas 2045,” explored three key challenges in education: quality, access, and relevance. Citing William Dunn’s Public Policy Analysis: An Introduction, Muhadjir described these as “meta-problems” that cannot be solved with a single policy.
Muhadjir emphasized that education, along with healthcare, plays a vital role in shaping Indonesia’s future. He outlined three possible scenarios for 2045—optimistic, moderate, and pessimistic—stressing that education is the foundation for national progress. He hoped that his insights would guide both current and future Ministers of Education.
The event was attended by President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir, General Secretary Abdul Mu’ti, and other Muhammadiyah chairpersons, including Agung Danarto, Irwan Akib, Agus Taufiqurrahman, Syafiq Mughni, and President of ‘Aisyiyah Salmah Orbayinah. Also present were Minister of Maritime Affairs Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah East Java Dr. Sukadiono, and several rectors from Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah universities.
