Sowing Welfare and Well-being: 113 Years of Muhammadiyah’s Journey

umkt.ac.id, Samarinda - Muhammadiyah’s anniversary is always to be a momentum to reflect upon the organization’s footprint in serving the Ummah and Nation for more than a century. On its 113^th anniversary, the theme Memajukan Kesejahteraan Bangsa (Advancing the Nation’s Welfare) is relevant to the organization, especially how through education, diversity, and social movements are involved to provide welfare for all.

As part of the Amal Usaha Muhammadiyah (Muhammadiyah’s Charity Entreprise), Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur (UMKT) is a true symbol of how education opened paths toward the people’s welfare. The values of inclusivity, compassion, and progressivity are present in every UMKT’s studying room. The values are not only felt by Muhammadiyah cadres, but also perceived other communities: non-Muslims, international students, as well as campus’ autonomous organization activists.

Shysilia Silvia Wensen, also known as Lia, is an undergraduate Psychology UMKT student, coming from non-Muslim background. She chooses UMKT because one of her friend’s recommendations. Lia thinks UMKT has complete facilities and is well-known for its study program accreditation. These are the reasons why Lia firmly decided to study at UMKT.

Notwithstanding the fact she studies at Muhammadiyah-based university, Lia is indistinguishable by her peers. “It feels normal, but I feel convenient. The Campus does not differentiate its students, despite their religious background,” Lia stated.

She even experienced a memorable moment of tolerance when her class schedule conflicted with her worship schedule.

“The lecturer asked me when was my worship time would be concluded, albeit I was the only non-Muslim student on the class. Nevertheless, the lecturer was kind to me, rescheduling the class in doing so to let me attended the class,” she added. To Lia, UMKT is a friendly campus, where students are well-receive notwithstanding of their background.

Another story came from an international student. She was Essra Mohammed Osman AbdAlla, a UMKT international Student from Sudan, currently studying Informatics Engineering. Her story with UMKT began when she found the university from a scholarship website in her home country. After researching various Muhammadiyah universities in Indonesia, UMKT is her final dan definitive choice, thanks to its organized and supportive education system. 

“It seemed well organized and conducive to study. I felt it’s a place where you could truly learn,” Essra shared her opinion through her WhatsApp text. 

To Essra, there is no difference between UMKT and her country on teaching method. Besides, she is also perceived Muhammadiyah’s values from campus’ daily activities and habits.

“The values ​​that caught my attention were the way people treated each other, the mutual respect among all individuals, the willingness to help, the dedication to work, and the open-mindedness in dealing with others,” she explained.

For Essra, the student orientation was one of her most memorable moments. She feels UMKT is a place where respect and human values are part of everyday campus life.

Azril Rosadi, the Chief Commissariat Coordinator of the Muhammadiyah Students Association at UMKT, commented on this year’s Muhammadiyah anniversary theme. Rosadi, who is also a mechanical engineering student, said the theme is a call to ensure better access to education, health, and the economy is affordable to all citizens. 

“We see that many people still lack access to adequate education and healthcare services,” Azril commented.

UMKT’s IMM movements are in line with the mission. Every commissariat are mandated to conduct community service according to their expertise, starting from free medical check-up by the MSA of the Faculty of Medicine commissariat, and many more services provided by other commissariats. In this context, UMKT is the home that supports every MSA cadre efforts in bringing benefits to the community.

“May Muhammadiyah always be glorious and continue to be an exceptional organization in faith, humanity, and education. May it also continue its progress toward modernization,” Rosadi concluded his interview with a message to commemorate Muhammadiyah’s 113^th anniversary.

From these stories; be it from different religion, different country, and also from the campus’ activists, it is clearly shown that Muhammadiyah values at UMKT goes well beyond concept. The values are implemented into real-life practices through the implementation of dakwah progresif (progressive dawah).

The inclusivity experienced by Lia, the social values perceived by Essra, and the spirit of service practiced by IMM, are all part of Muhammadiyah's contribution to advancing the nation's welfare.

Its vision keeps growing at its 113th year. From classes, community services, and a mutually strengthening diversity, UMKT and the extended Muhammadiyah family continue their long steps to spread benefits and foster welfare for all.

Writer: Ashifa Nabila Putri

Editor: Raisha Azzahro

Translator: Muhammad Rafly Raihandy