MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – The phenomenon of Muhammadiyah Christian (Krismuha) community is not only limited to Muhammadiyah educational institutions in Muslim-minority regions. Even in Muhammadiyah’s homeland, its educational institutions are increasingly attracting non-Muslim students.
One such institution is Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY). which has become a popular choice for non-Muslim students. This reflects both the university’s openness and the public’s recognition of the quality of Muhammadiyah education.
In a press statement released on Wednesday (1/10), UMY reported an increase in the number of non-Muslim students enrolled for the 2025 academic year: 24 Christians, 12 Buddhists, 10 Hindus, and 14 Catholics, across both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
“In fact, we hope the number of Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, and Catholic students will continue to grow so that UMY can truly become a multicultural and multireligious campus,” said Zuly Qodir, UMY”s Vice Rector for Education and Student Affairs.
He explained that during their studies at Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah University, students are never pressured to convert. In islam, he emphasized, there must be no compulsion in matters of faith.
“On the contrary, we want them to get to know Muhammadiyah and Islam as a religion of rahmatan lil ‘alamin (a mercy for all creation),” he added.
He noted that the university’s multireligious and multicultural campus life provides Muslim students with an opportunity to practice tolerance and live harmoniously alongside people of different backgrounds without discrimination.
“Islam teaches us to interact with everyone. We can learn about the traditions and religious practices of others, while still holding firmly to our own beliefs,” said Zuly Qodir.
Meanwhile, regarding the Al-Islam and Muhammadiyah Studies (AIK) courses, Prof. Zuly explained that for non-Muslims students, these courses are taught as academic knowledge only, and not for religious practice. (Bintang Adrian)
