Yogyakarta – The former General Chairman of Muhammadiyah Central Executive, Syafi’I Ma’arif monitored Muhammadiyah since its establishments more than a hundred year ago, Muhammadiyah was not designed to take care of the state politics as part of theology or political philosophy in its modern definition.
However, in order to face the challenges in the political era in Indonesia, Muhammadiyah could defend its identity in order to intercept the erratic political fluctuation. This meant, Muhammadiyah could become non-political Islamic movement. “However, Muhammadiyah still becomes an important supporter for the Nation in the social, education, and humanity sectors,” he explained when he became the keynote speaker of Seminar Pra Muktamar Muhammadiyah ke-47 (Pre-47th Muhammadiyah Muktamar Seminar) with the theme of “Muhammadiyah, Civil Society, dan Negara; Arah Pemikiran dan Gerakan Abad Kedua,” which was held on Saturday (04/25) at Gedung Pascasarjana UMY, Kampus Terpadu UMY.
Later, in Muhammadiyah’s second century age, Syafi’I Ma’arif suggested that Muhammadiyah kept thinking of what kind of important role they would choose. Would Muhammadiyah remain as the supporter of the country? Or would it move further in becoming the decision maker of Indonesia. “And the decision will depend on the thoughts and consideration of Muhammadiyah members,” he explained. (bhpUMY) (mac)