MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, TASIKMALAYA – Muhammadiyah is embarking on a mission to bolster the collective impact of its vast network of social and educational institutions, known as amal usaha Muhammadiyah (AUM). With 173 universities, 123 hospitals, and countless schools stretching across the archipelago, Muhammadiyah envisions a synchronized force, marching in unison for greater social good.
Abdul Mu’ti, General Secretary of Muhammadiyah, emphasized the crucial role of synergy in this ambitious endeavor. “We dream of all our institutions flourishing together, operating as a seamless network, each element enhancing the impact of the others,” he declared during a recent address at Universitas Muhammadiyah Tasikmalaya on Wednesday (January 10).
Mu’ti likened Muhammadiyah to a tightly-knit community, drawing inspiration from verses in the Quran (Ali Imran: 104-110) that urge collective action and mutual support. He contrasted this ideal with mere crowds, where individuals gather without shared purpose, often dissolving into discord.
“The essence of true progress lies in harnessing our collective strength,” Mu’ti asserted. “But synergy alone isn’t enough. We must move in unison, guided by a shared vision and mission.”
This vision stems back to the very roots of Muhammadiyah, founded by K.H. Ahmad Dahlan in 1912. Mu’ti reminded the audience that Dahlan’s mission went beyond combating tuberculosis or resisting colonial oppression. The seeds of Muhammadiyah were sown in a society plagued by illiteracy and social injustice, where access to education was a privilege reserved for the select few.
“Dahlan established schools because a vast majority of our people were shrouded in darkness,” Mu’ti explained. “The Dutch colonial system, with its rigid class divisions, effectively barred education from reaching the masses. This is the legacy we carry forward, the legacy that fuels our ambition to make a difference.”
The early structure of Muhammadiyah itself embodied this commitment to serving the community. Divisions like the Library Branch, the Propagation Division, and the General Relief Division were all established to address pressing social needs.
“Muhammadiyah has always strived to be a solution for its time,” Mu’ti concluded. “And today, strengthening the synergy of our institutions is our answer to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. United, we become a force for positive change, a beacon of hope for a brighter future.”
