MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unimuda) Sorong, shed light on the transformative role played by Muhammadiyah in Papua.
Rustamadji highlighted how Muhammadiyah presence has transcended traditional boundaries in Papua, bringing about positive changes in education, social development, and interfaith relations.
Rustamadji described how, in the past, children in Papua, particularly on Arar Island in Sorong, West Papua, often ended their education at the elementary level. However, the arrival of Muhammadiyah schools has revolutionized the educational landscape.
“Now, the island is filled with graduates of Muhammadiyah schools,” he said at the Muhammadiyah Ramadan Preaching Series at the Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta on Saturday (March 16). “Many of them have gone on to become soldiers, police officers, nurses, and more, whereas previously, most people only finished elementary school.”
Rustamadji explained that Muhammadiyah approach to development in Papua is focused on creating sustainable communities. This includes providing educational opportunities, promoting economic empowerment, and fostering interfaith harmony.
One notable example of this approach is the work of Muhammadiyah with the Kokoda tribe. Traditionally a nomadic people, the Kokoda were provided with a designated area to settle and build a better life with Muhammadiyah’s support.
Muhammadiyah transformative efforts are not limited to Arar Island. The organization is also actively working to develop Ondama Island, where previous attempts to establish higher education institutions had failed.
“On the 23rd of this month, I will be visiting Ondama Island to hold a graduation ceremony for prospective elementary school teachers,” Rustamadji said.
The establishment of Unimuda Sorong on Ondama Island has been met with great enthusiasm from the local community. The university’s unique approach, which includes conducting exams on the beach while enjoying grilled and fried mackerel, has contributed to its popularity.
Significantly, over 70% of Unimuda Sorong’s students are Christian Papuans. Rustamadji emphasized that Muhammadiyah values of tolerance and inclusivity resonate with the local Christian community.
“There are many physical similarities between Muhammadiyah and Christians in Papua,” he said. “For example, we both don’t wear sarung (sarong) and kopiah (prayer cap) during worship, our pulpits are similar, and we both have a prohibition on smoking.”
Unimuda Sorong’s reputation as a tolerant campus, combined with the stunning natural beauty of Papua, has made it a popular destination for students from Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Rustamadji believes that the educational approach adopted by Muhammadiyah can serve as a form of soft diplomacy between Indonesia and PNG, fostering a more harmonious relationship between the two countries.
By breaking down barriers and building bridges, Muhammadiyah is playing a vital role in transforming the lives of Papuans and contributing to the development of the region.
