MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Muhadjir Effendy stated that Muhammadiyah, under the leadership of Kiai Ahmad Dahlan and Kiai Ibrahim, distinguished itself as a unique indigenous movement in its resistance against the Dutch colonial government.
Unlike other nationalist movements that adopted more confrontational approaches, either through physical resistance or diplomatic means, Muhammadiyah took a more accommodative stance in its interactions with the Dutch administration.
Muhadjir highlighted how Muhammadiyah strategy differed significantly from other indigenous movements, despite sharing the same ultimate goal of achieving national independence.
“This, in my view, represents Muhammadiyah’s Wasathiyah (moderate) role at the time. While some figures directly opposed the Dutch, Muhammadiyah positioned itself in the middle as a balancing force,” explained Muhadjir at the Ramadan preaching conducted at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) on Tuesday, March 4.
Although Muhammadiyah chose a non-confrontational path, it remained actively engaged in resistance efforts by mobilizing the people to oppose colonial rule in its own way.
Beyond its approach toward the colonial government, Muhammadiyah under Ahmad Dahlan also maintained an open and cooperative relationship with the Yogyakarta Sultanate, particularly during the reign of Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII. This accommodative stance allowed Muhammadiyah to expand its influence while staying true to its core principles. The organization’s ability to grow was largely due to the distinctive nature of its relationship with those in power.
Under later leadership, particularly during the tenures of Mas Mansyur and Ki Bagus Hadikusumo, Muhammadiyah leaders became increasingly active in political affairs. Both figures played instrumental roles in the struggle for Indonesian independence.
In 1937, Mas Mansyur became one of the key figures in founding Majelis Islam A’la Indonesia (MIAI), an organization that united various Islamic movements in opposition to Dutch colonial policies.
Mas Mansyur also fostered strong relations with Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) leader Abdul Wahab Chasbullah. Together, they established the Taswirul Afkar study group, reflecting a broader spirit of cooperation among Islamic leaders of the time.
Muhadjir also discussed the aftermath of the dissolution of the Masyumi Party in 1960. Following the party’s disbandment, many of its members joined Muhammadiyah, leading to a significant increase in the organization’s membership in various regions. Despite this shift, Muhammadiyah managed to maintain good relations with President Sukarno, who had issued Presidential Decree No. 200 of 1960 on the dissolution of Masyumi.
