MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, PURWOKERTO – Muhammadiyah has opted for concrete action rather than prolonged debate as it responds to recent disasters in Aceh and other parts of Sumatra, its president said on Monday (29/12)
Haedar Nashir, President of Muhammadiyah, said Muhammadiyah’s work on the ground reflects its commitment to serve the public in times of crisis.
Muhammadiyah does not choose the path of excessive talk, let alone endless debate over what is already a clear responsibility,” Haedar said. “Debating without acting is not what Muhammadiyah stands for.”
He delivered the remarks during an open senate meeting at the Muhammadiyah University of Purwokerto, held to mark the university’s 60th anniversary and reflect on the past year.
Prioritizing Emergency Response and Prevention
Haedar said disaster management must prioritize emergency response and prevention to ensure the greatest public benefit. He added that analysis and evaluation should come later and must rest on sound academic standards.
“Studies must be objective, scientific, and accountable,” he said, pointing to the role of universities in examining issues such as forest management, natural resources and environmental governance.
He warned that constant public argument risks diverting attention from urgent humanitarian needs. In his view, focusing on disputes can weaken collective efforts to handle severe emergency conditions.
Mr. Haedar also urged the public to act responsibly on social media. Careless statements, he said, can spread quickly and intensify tension, while also worsening the psychological burden faced by disaster survivors.
“This is where wisdom matters,” he said. “We must manage how we speak and behave online, so grief does not turn into unnecessary noise.”
He praised the contributions of various national institutions involved in disaster response and acknowledged that shortcomings can occur. As members of the nation, he said, mutual support and capacity building remain essential.
Drawing on past experience, Mr. Haedar expressed confidence that Indonesia can overcome the current emergency and recover.
“We can get through this and rise toward a better future, “ He said. (Janu) (Translated by Bintang Adrian)
