MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Amid the sweeping tide of digital disruption that has caused many print media outlets to collapse, Suara Muhammadiyah continues to stand firm. First published on August 13, 1915, the magazine has not only borne witness to the nation’s journey but is also recorded as the oldest continuously published press institution in Indonesia.
The resilience of Suara Muhammadiyah (SM) across more than a century is no coincidence. It was born of idealism, sustained by commitment, and safeguarded by an unyielding spirit. These themes were discussed by Isngadi Marwah, Director of Media and Publication at Suara Muhammadiyah, during a discussion with the editorial team of Muhammadiyah.or.id on Saturday (08/02).
The Long Breath of Suara Muhammadiyah
Isngadi explained that the emergence of SM cannot be separated from the organizational context of the national movement era. At the time, many organizations had their own publications, yet most failed to survive.
“Almost all organizations back then had media outlets, but they did not endure. Suara Muhammadiyah managed to survive and even became a silent witness to Indonesia’s national journey,” Isngadi said.
That endurance was tested through extreme historical phases. It began from the colonial era and Japanese occupation to political upheavals and the 1998 monetary crisis. When many media outlets folded under political and economic pressure, SM continued to exist.
According to Isngadi, the foundation of this resilience lay in the early figures of Muhammadiyah, such as K.H. Fachroedin, the first editor-in-chief; K.H. Sudja’; and Muhammadiyah’s founder, K.H. Ahmad Dahlan, who was recorded as a contributor in the early editions of Soewara Moehammadijah.
Fachroedin and the Progressive Press Tradition of Muhammadiyah
President of Muhammadiyah Central Board, Haedar Nashir, highlighted the central role of Haji Fachroedin as a pioneer of Muhammadiyah’s press. Through the website suaramuhammadiyah.id, Haedar described Fachroedin as an early Muhammadiyah cadre who developed autodidactically alongside Kyai Dahlan.
“The sharp thinking of Fachroedin gave a progressive orientation to public thought as a form of resistance against Dutch colonialism,” Haedar stated.
Despite not receiving formal modern education, Fachroedin’s experience, eagerness to learn, and wide-ranging associations positioned him as a Muhammadiyah press figure who transcended ideological boundaries.
A Living Archive of Muhammadiyah Thought
Isngadi further described Suara Muhammadiyah as a “living archive” of Muhammadiyah’s intellectual heritage and the nation’s historical journey. Within its pages are preserved intellectual dynamics, religious positions, and Muhammadiyah’s responses to various social transformations.
However, amid today’s media industry realities, SM also operates in a phase of survival. Shifts in information consumption patterns and economic pressures compel media institutions to continuously adapt.
“Relying solely on magazine sales is no longer sufficient. Media outlets must have other pillars to remain independent,” Isngadi explained.
As a result, Suara Muhammadiyah has developed economic self-reliance through supporting business units such as bookstores, hotels, and restaurants to sustain its editorial operations—a strategy also adopted by other national media organizations.
A Shared Responsibility to Preserve the Nation’s Press Legacy
Isngadi also addressed the misconception that Suara Muhammadiyah is already financially secure and therefore does not require public support.
“SM cannot be separated from the support of the public and Muhammadiyah members. Without that support, SM is nothing,” he emphasized.
Coinciding with National Press Day on February 9, 2026, and at an age exceeding one century, Suara Muhammadiyah once again affirms that the longevity of a media institution is determined by steadfast values, adaptability, and a collective commitment to never give up.
Amid the current of instant information, Suara Muhammadiyah stands as a reminder that journalism is not merely about speed, but about perseverance in safeguarding conscience, history, and national responsibility. Suara Muhammadiyah’s responsibility is a living archive of the nation is a shared responsibility of all Muhammadiyah members and the wider public.
