MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Irwan Akib, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Central Board, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening educational quality through the development of Sekolah dan Madrasah Unggul Muhammadiyah (Muhammadiyah Model School and Madrasah).
He delivered the remarks during the closing session of the Muhammadiyah Model School and Madrasah Forum, organized by the Central Board’s Council for Primary and Secondary Education.
Irwan emphasized that excellence in Muhammadiyah education cannot be measured solely by national academic rankings or examination scores. Instead, he argued, Muhammadiyah schools must embody a more holistic and balanced understanding of achievement.
“Muhammadiyah schools must excel according to Muhammadiyah’s own vision,” Irwan said on Sunday (02/02). “Graduates should demonstrate strong faith, intellectual rigor, refined character, and practical life skills. This combination represents the distinctive strength of Muhammadiyah education.”
Therefore, he stressed, educational success must align in Islamic values and the broader mission of the organization.
Creating a Multiplier Effect
Irwan also cautioned that the presence of 22 designated model schools should not result in exclusivity. Instead, he urged these institutions to serve as catalysts for broader improvement.
According to him, model schools should generate a “multiplier effect,” allowing achievements, innovations, and best practices to spread to other Muhammadiyah schools and madrasahs nationwide. In this way, excellence becomes shared rather than isolated.
“Major achievements require seriousness, hard work, and sustained commitment,” he said. “The sails are already raised. What remains is to navigate carefully, stay on course, and remain consistent with our goals.”
The three-day forum brought together representatives from 22 model schools across Indonesia. Each institution sent three participants: a principal, a vice principal for curriculum, and a senior teacher. The forum ran from Friday, January 30, through Sunday, February 1, 2026.
As an initial benchmark, Muhammadiyah has set targets related to national university entrance exams, including the Computer-Based Written Examination and the Academic Ability Test. The goal is for Muhammadiyah schools to break into the national top 100.
Ultimately, with focused strategies, continuous quality improvement, and the integration of Islamic and Muhammadiyah values, Irwan expressed confidence that Muhammadiyah schools can emerge as national references for educational excellence.
Translator: Bintang Adrian
