MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – “In business, failure is nothing unusual.” The phrase is often repeated, yet it reflects a reality commonly faced by those operating in the economic and business sectors.
That message was delivered by Muhadjir Effendy, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Central Board, during the National Seminar on the 2026 Outlook for Indonesia’s Economy. This seminar is the main agenda of the National Coordination Meeting of the Muhammadiyah Council for Economy, Business, and Tourism (MEBP), held over two days on January 5-6, 2026.
“Failure is normal,” Muhadjir said while opening the MEBP national meeting on Thursday (05/02). “If we all fail repeatedly, it may actually be a sign that success is getting closer.”
Muhadjir emphasized that courage to take risks is a crucial requirement for advancing Muhammadiyah’s business sector. However, he noted that many Muhammadiyah business units still operate with a cautious risk-averse approach.
“Business management within Muhammadiyah is still dominated by a ‘safe player’ mentality,” he said. “The courage to fail and to take risks has not yet fully taken shape.”
Social Coorporate Values as a Business Identity
Muhadjir further explained that Muhammadiyah’s business orientation is rooted in the concept of social corporate enterprise. This is a model he described as intrinsic to the organization’s identity.
“This means Muhammadiyah’s businesses are not managed for personal profit,” he said. “The returns are directed toward public interests and the broader welfare of the society.”
Building on this principle, he urged members of the organization to develop businesses that are institutionalized, professional, and sustainable, while maintaining strong commitment to social benefit.
For that reason, Muhadjir stressed that Muhammadiyah’s third pillar, the economic pillar, must continue to receive serious attention.
“We must keep strengthening it,” he concluded. “We must define our own direction, not be defined by others, and remain committed to positioning the economy as the third pillar, alongside education and health, for Muhammadiyah’s future.” (Bhisma)
Translator: Bintang Adrian
