MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir reiterated Muhammadiyah’s stance on political engagement. This movement does not engage in any political parties or contests.
Regarding a quinquennial political contest in Indonesia, Muhammadiyah has never got involved in it. However, it does not mean Muhammadiyah stands against politics.
According to Haedar Nashir, Muhammadiyah’s political pathway involves contributing to national and state affairs through initiatives that foster development, enlightenment, and upliftment for the nation and the state.
“Muhammadiyah is not a political party, while the quinquennial political contest is dealing with political parties,” said Haedar Nashir in the opening of the Dialog on the Organization’s Political Ideology on Sunday (August 6) conducted by the Muhammadiyah Regional Board of D.I. Yogyakarta at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY).
Nevertheless, Muhammadiyah allows its members to vote and strongly encourages them to avoid abstaining.
“Muhammadiyah members are encouraged to elect brilliantly and rationally and respect other people’s rights to vote. Muhammadiyah people may not dispute other people’s choice,” said Haedar.
More specifically, the Muhammadiyah members are encouraged to participate in practical politics. However, they are prohibited from engaging in politics in Muhammadiyah.
“Muhammadiyah members become this movement’s agents in politics. They may take roles in executive and legislative roles and state institutions,” said Haedar.
“Muhammadiyah members can design Islamic politics to improve the life of this nation to embrace people from diverse backgrounds,” said Haedar.
