MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir has given huge contributions to Indonesia.
“Muhammadiyah has played a key role not only in education, healthcare, and social welfare but also in the fight for Indonesia’s independence,” said Haedar during a meeting with the Presidential Staff Office in the Muhammadiyah Office, Jakarta, on Monday, February 24.
Haedar explained that Muhammadiyah took part in the struggle for independence through the Askar Perang Sabil, a military unit led by Ki Bagus Hadikusumo. This force was part of the broader guerrilla resistance led by General Sudirman.
Muhammadiyah commitment to Indonesia continues today through its support for government programs that benefit society. However, its support is not just about praise. It also includes constructive criticism when needed.
“As a form of our love for the nation, we always support the government. Nevertheless, if we see something that needs improvement, we provide feedback in an elegant manner,” added Haedar.
In 2015, Muhammadiyah officially declared its stance on Indonesia as Negara Pancasila Darul Ahdi Wasy Syahadah, affirming that Pancasila is the foundational agreement for the nation. This declaration reinforced Muhammadiyah belief that religion and Indonesian identity are not at odds.
“For us, the relationship among religion, Islam, and Indonesia is clear. Now, the challenge is how to manage the dynamics effectively,” emphasized Haedar.
Haedar also urged the government to improve its public communication strategies, noting that well-intentioned policies can be misunderstood if not communicated clearly.
Haedar pointed to two recent examples—the government’s efficiency measures, which led to the #IndonesiaGelap movement, and the Free Nutritious Lunch program—as cases that poor messaging resulted in negative public perception.
In response, Lieutenant General (Retired) AM Putranto, the newly appointed Chief of the Presidential Staff Office, acknowledged the importance of Muhammadiyah input. He expressed appreciation for the meeting and assured that the feedback would be carefully considered and addressed.
