MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — In his repeated exhortations, the President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir has consistently emphasized the inseparable nature of national education from the dimensions of faith, piety, and noble character. This emphasis is not merely a moral imperative but also a constitutional mandate enshrined in Articles 31 (paragraphs 3 and 5) of the 1945 Constitution.
National education, according to Muhammadiyah, cannot be confined to the realm of rational-instrumental dimensions alone. Instead, education should be multifaceted, encompassing the full potential of Indonesian individuals as integral parts of the nation’s ecosystem. This includes the values of religion and the noble culture embedded within the nation’s identity.
The purpose of education extends beyond the mere development of intellectual intelligence; it also aims to strengthen the spiritual and moral dimensions. This holistic approach seeks to cultivate a generation that is not only academically astute but also possesses high moral integrity and contributes positively to society and the nation.
This year’s Education Day, commemorated on May 2nd, 2024, serves as a timely reminder for all stakeholders in the education sector to integrate the values of faith, piety, and noble character into the curriculum and practices of education. National education can serve as a powerful tool for shaping the character and personality of Indonesia’s future generations.
Any attempt to disregard or marginalize spiritual values in education can be deemed a violation of the spirit of the Indonesian Constitution. In this context, any form of thought or policy that fails to consider the dimensions of faith, piety, and noble character can be considered incompatible with the spirit of the 1945 Constitution.
The Secretary General of Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu’ti further reinforces the crucial dimension of understanding education. For him, education is an ongoing process aimed at the ennoblement of humanity. It represents a journey towards the development of one’s potential, encompassing both material and spiritual aspects, enabling individuals to attain glory and well-being in their lives.
Mu’ti goes on to assert that education is not merely about individual success but also about the contributions individuals make to the advancement of the nation, state, and universe. In this context, education is geared towards shaping individuals who are not only intelligent and high-achieving but also possess a keen sense of social and moral responsibility.
“Education is an ongoing process for the ennoblement of humanity, enabling them to develop their full potential, allowing them to attain glory and well-being in material and spiritual life, and to do their best for the advancement of the nation, state, and universe,” Mu’ti stated on his Twitter account @Abe_Mukti on Thursday (May 2nd).
Mu’ti’s insights underscore the pivotal role of education in building strong character and personality for individuals and making significant contributions to society and the nation. Education, therefore, serves as a robust foundation for achieving shared prosperity and well-being in an increasingly complex global landscape.
