MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Didik Suhardi, Chairperson of the Primary, Secondary, and Nonformal Education Council of Muhammadiyah Central Board (Dikdasmen PNF), underscored the importance of measuring and standardizing Al-Islam, Kemuhammadiyahan, and Arabic Language studies (ISMUBA) as a defining feature of Muhammadiyah education system.
He delivered the remarks during InspirasiMU Chapter 31: Socialization of the Academic Competency Test (TKA), an online event attended by hundreds of representatives from Muhammadiyah schools across Indonesia and organized by the Dikdasmen PNF Council on Tuesday (07/01).
Didik explained that since last year, the government has implemented the Academic Competency Test as an instrument to map educational quality, guide development efforts, and serve as one requirement for advancing to higher levels of education. According to him, the test plays a crucial role because regions need clear benchmarks that schools can use as references.
“TKA serves at least three functions,” he said. “It maps quality, supports development, and becomes one of the tools for continuing education to a higher level.”
However, Didik emphasized that Muhammadiyah education has a distinct characteristic not found in other educational systems: ISMUBA. This uniqueness, he said, must be protected through standardized assessment to ensure the consistency and quality of learning across Muhammadiyah schools.
“Muhammadiyah education has a specific identity that other systems do not have, namely ISMUBA,” he said. “Therefore, we need to measure how well ISMUBA is being taught in our schools.”
Evaluation Beyond Examinations
Such assessment, he added, is not intended merely for examination purposes but rather as part of a broader evaluation of the education system. Through evaluation, schools can identify strengths and weaknesses and determine appropriate steps for improvement.
“Evaluation is essential because it is part of the education system,” Didik explained. “There is planning, implementation, and evaluation. This is a cycle that must continue repeatedly.”
He also noted that teacher training does not always need to be conducted in person. Currently, the Dikdasmen PNF Council is preparing a digital learning platform that will allow teachers to independently enhance their competencies.
“Training does not always require formal gatherings,” he said. “The teachers will be able to carry out self-training through a platform we are developing.”
During the event, Didik mentioned that Iwan Junaidi and his team have prepared an outline and instructional guidelines for ISMUBA materials, which will serve as references for Muhammadiyah schools and madrasahs. These guidelines are expected to function as both a roadmap and a standard framework for ISMUBA assessment.
“The principle is simple: we assess what we teach,” he said. “While learning is not solely for exams, we still need evaluation tools.”
He concluded by stressing that strengthening ISMUBA is a strategic asset for Muhammadiyah education in shaping graduates who excel academically while also possessing strong character and religious values.
“ISMUBA is the core strength of Muhammadiyah education,” Didik said. “Alongside strong academic knowledge, we build character and religiosity. We hope Muhammadiyah graduates can embody and spread the values of the organization wherever they are. (Bintang Adrian)
