MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, BANDUNG — Irwan Akib, Chairman of Muhammadiyah, recently addressed a critical topic at the 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. In his keynote speech, Irwan Akib outlined a compelling vision for nurturing the next generation within Muhammadiyah educational institutions.
Irwan Akib emphasized the importance of fostering an “excellent generation” in Muhammadiyah schools. This generation, he explained, should embody four key characteristics: strong moral character, deep religious knowledge, a broad worldview, and a relentless spirit for progress. These values, Irwan Akib argued, resonate with the educational ideals of Ahmad Dahlan, the founder of Muhammadiyah.
Irwan Akib elaborated on the specific qualities that define this “excellent generation.” First, they must possess unwavering faith and strong beliefs, while avoiding extremism in any form. Second, academic excellence is paramount. Third, students must cultivate noble morals to foster positive communication with anyone they encounter. Finally, a strong sense of social responsibility is crucial for preparing them to contribute meaningfully to society.
“Our focus,” Irwan Akib declared, “lies in cultivating these four pillars within our schools. We aim to create a generation that empowers Muhammadiyah to become an even more vital part of our nation’s journey.”
Irwan Akib also delved into the pioneering educational innovations introduced by Ahmad Dahlan. He identified four key areas of innovation. Firstly, Dahlan championed the integration of religious and general knowledge within the curriculum and learning methods. Secondly, he implemented a dialogical teaching approach, fostering two-way communication between students and teachers. Thirdly, Dahlan played a pivotal role in institutionalizing education, transforming non-formal religious education into a formal system. Finally, he emphasized education as a shared responsibility, urging society to play an active role.
“These were the groundbreaking steps taken by Ahmad Dahlan,” Irwan Akib acknowledged. “The question we must now ask ourselves is: are his innovations still relevant in today’s world?” This reflection on past successes paves the way for reimagining education in the present context.
Irwan Akib further addressed the importance of Ismuba, a term encompassing Al-Islam, Kemuhammadiyahan (Muhammadiyah teachings), and the Arabic language. He argued that Ismuba education should go beyond simply imparting knowledge (cognitive aspect). It should also nurture the emotional and spiritual aspects (affective aspect) by encouraging the practical application of knowledge in daily life.
Building upon Ahmad Dahlan’s legacy of integrating religious and general knowledge, Irwan Akib stressed the need for contemporary educational innovations to bridge the gap between cognitive understanding and practical application. This approach emphasizes the importance of not only grasping concepts but also integrating them into everyday life.
Irwan Akib advocated for a more integrative approach to the curriculum in Muhammadiyah schools. He envisioned a curriculum that seamlessly blends various knowledge domains and values. This, he argued, would be instrumental in creating an “excellent generation” equipped with a holistic understanding of life and Islam.
To illustrate his point, Irwan Akib provided a concrete example. He explained that learning about mangoes in biology shouldn’t be confined solely to the scientific realm. The curriculum, he suggested, could be enriched by integrating economic principles.
“Once the fruit reaches the market, it transcends the domain of biology and enters the realm of economics,” he explained.
Through this integrative approach, Irwan Akib believes students will gain a deeper understanding not only of the biological aspects of mangoes but also of their role within the economic system, from production to consumption. This, he argued, represents a significant step towards creating a truly integrative educational experience in Muhammadiyah schools.
Irwan Akib’s vision for education extends beyond simply imparting knowledge. He seeks to cultivate a generation of future leaders within Muhammadiyah – individuals who are not only intellectually sharp but also possess the practical wisdom and moral compass to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, particularly the rapidly evolving landscape of Society 5.0.
