MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MAKASSAR – Muhammadiyah has achieved a significant milestone in its educational endeavors. With a current count of 167 universities and colleges under its umbrella, Muhammadiyah has realized a vision first conceived in the 1920s.
The Chairperson of Muhamadiyah Irwan Akib explained that, in the annual meeting in 1920 led by Kiai Ahmad Dahlan, the Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Education Division Kiai Hisyam aspired to establish grand universities. However, this idea was met with widespread skepticism.
“The aspiration was stated in 1920, and no nobody believed it. It was considered absurd to want to build luxurious universities. Muhammadiyah did not have any doctors or any resources at that time,” said Akib on the Orientation Day of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar on Wednesday, September 11.
Despite the initial disbelief, Muhammadiyah persevered and its educational institutions have not only survived but thrived, reaching a significant milestone of 104 years in 2024. The institutions have benefitted many people.
This historical journey demonstrates the far-reaching vision of Muhammadiyah pioneers, who worked not just for the present but for generations to come.
Irwan Akib attributed this visionary approach to the education by Kiai Ahmad Dahlan, which was deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran.
“Kiai Dahlan did not want his students to learn and memorize the Quran only, but he also wanted them to apply its teachings in their lives,” said Irwan Akib.
Therefore, Irwan urged the new students of Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah higher education institutions to embrace the spirit of innovation and progress that has characterized Muhammadiyah.
According to Irwan Akin, the establishment of faculties of medicine and health sciences within Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah higher education institutions is an effort to continue the organization’s tradition of healthcare service.
Indonesia is now confronting an issue of the shortage of doctors. Thus, the medical faculties of Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah universities can address this gap by contributing to the number of Indonesian doctors.
