MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, BANDUNG — Anticipating the dawn of the 5.0 Industrial Revolution, Muhammadiyah is taking proactive steps to prepare its educational institutions for the challenges and opportunities this new era presents. This commitment was reiterated by Irwan Akib, Chairman of Muhammadiyah, during a recent International Seminar on “Educational Innovation in Muhammadiyah in Cultivating the Character of Generation Z in the Era of Society 5.0” held at Universitas Muhammadiyah Bandung on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
The 5.0 Industrial Revolution marks a significant shift with humans and machines collaborating more closely than ever before. Recognizing the crucial role education plays in equipping the next generation for success in this environment, Irwan Akib emphasized the importance of transforming the curriculum to keep pace with evolving societal needs.
The envisioned curriculum, according to Irwan Akib, will be a multifaceted one – integrative, fostering competition, and grounded in humanistic and social values. It will also be designed to be adaptable and forward-thinking, anticipating future trends. The rollout of this new curriculum will be gradual, ensuring a smooth transition and fostering the optimal development of Muhammadiyah students.
Irwan Akib went beyond simply emphasizing academic rigor. He stressed the need for a curriculum that engages and empowers students, encouraging them to become active participants in their own learning journeys. He highlighted the importance of preparing Muhammadiyah students to compete effectively with their peers from other institutions, showcasing the advancements made by Muhammadiyah schools.
“Our ultimate goal,” Irwan Akib explained, “is for our students to not only compete successfully with students from other schools in the future, but also graduate with strong morals and character that embody the values of a Muhammadiyah education.”
Through these comprehensive efforts, Muhammadiyah aims to nurture graduates who excel not just in academics, but also possess a strong moral compass, reflecting the core values of the organization.
Taking a step further, Irwan Akib, who is also a Professor at Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar, emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of individuality within each Muhammadiyah school across Indonesia. He proposed the development of unique educational products, referring to effective and efficient learning designs that cater specifically to the needs of each student body.
“Essentially, each Muhammadiyah school should strive to have its own unique brand,” Irwan Akib said, “a product that sets it apart from other institutions and reflects the specific character of the school.”
By developing these unique educational products, each Muhammadiyah school can carve a distinct niche for itself within the educational landscape, building a strong and identifiable brand.
These initiatives collectively showcase Muhammadiyah strategic approach to navigating the 5.0 Industrial Revolution era. By implementing a transformative curriculum and fostering the development of innovative educational products, Muhammadiyah is not only laying the groundwork for academically successful graduates but also building a reputation for schools that are competitive and possess a unique identity.
Through these forward-thinking strategies, Muhammadiyah positions itself as a leader in shaping the future of education in Indonesia, ensuring its students are well-equipped to thrive in the rapidly evolving world of the 5.0 Industrial Revolution.
