MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, BANTUL – Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Agung Danarto emphasized the need for Muhammadiyah to make a leap forward in its second century.
He noted that in the modern era, Muslims globally have fallen behind the West in the modern era. This stands in stark contrast to the Islamic world’s golden age during the Middle Ages.
Thus, Muhammadiyah should reclaim its role as a central player in reviving Islamic civilization. Agung Danarto proposes achieving this through innovation and groundbreaking discoveries.
Indonesia’s rich natural resources, Danarto argues, present a unique opportunity. He envisions the country as a vast research and development laboratory, where this potential can be harnessed to fuel progress.
Food security is a pressing concern that Agung specifically highlighted. With many nations facing food crises, he emphasizes the urgent need for research and innovation in Indonesia. The goal is to ensure food production is no longer hostage to seasonal or weather fluctuations.
“The potential of agriculture is phenomenal. Future conflicts will center around food and energy security. Food is a universal necessity, and whoever controls access to food and energy controls the global economy,” said Agung in the preaching at Masjid Al Muttaqin, Piyungan, Bantul.
Dominating food and energy access, Danarto argues, translates to dominance on the world stage. He urges Muhammadiyah to not only embrace innovation but also advocate for influence in public policy decisions.
Innovation should not be confined to universities, Danarto believes. He proposes extending this focus to Muhammadiyah schools as well, ensuring they are actively involved in the “century of innovation” that lies ahead.
Finally, Danarto addressed the ever-growing influence of digital media. He cautioned against resistance to technological advancements, urging Muhammadiyah members to embrace them instead. By harnessing the power of technology, they can ensure the organization remains relevant and influential in the years to come.