MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, BANYUMAS – Indonesia’s goal of achieving “Indonesia Emas 2045” (Golden Indonesia 2045) may be at risk due to a surge in social problems, according to Secretary General of the Muhammadiyah, Abdul Mu’ti. Mu’ti issued this warning during the opening ceremony of the 3rd MCC LKSA Jambore for Muhammadiyah-Aisyiyah Orphanages in Central Java.
Mu’ti acknowledged Indonesia’s economic growth but pointed out a troubling disconnect with the country’s social well-being. He identified several pressing social issues, particularly those impacting the welfare of the people.
“A multitude of social problems confront us today. For instance, drug use is rampant among our youth. Family harmony is also under strain, reflecting deeper social problems that require our urgent attention,” said Mu’ti at the opening ceremony of the 3rd Jamboree of MCC LKSA for Muhammadiyah-‘Aisyiyah Orphanages in Central Java on Tuesday (June 25).
Mu’ti further highlighted other critical social issues like violence and the prevalence of online gambling, an industry estimated to be worth hundreds of trillions of rupiah. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these problems.
“If we turn a blind eye to this situation and fail to take immediate and concrete steps to resolve it, we risk derailing our progress towards Indonesia Emas 2045. Instead, we may find ourselves facing an ‘Indonesia Anxious 2045’ (Indonesia Cemas 2024),” said Mu’ti.
Despite these challenges, Mu’ti urged Indonesians to maintain optimism. He pointed to Indonesia’s strong socio-political foundation as a source of hope. He stressed the importance of fostering unity, harmony, and cooperation among the citizenry.
Mu’ti then highlighted Muhammadiyah commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable groups since its establishment in 1912. Through its various Muhammadiyah institutions (AUMs), the organization has been actively working to find concrete solutions to social problems.
“Muhammadiyah goes beyond simply offering critiques. Our criticisms are always accompanied by constructive actions. We identify problems and then take the initiative to address them through tangible steps,” said Mu’ti.
