A surprising trend is emerging from universities affiliated with Muhammadiyah,one of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organizations: a majority of students identifying as non-Muslim. This demographic shift, revealed during a recent graduation ceremony at the University of Muhammadiyah Gorontalo, underscores the organization’s long-held commitment to inclusivity and service to all communities within the diverse Indonesian archipelago. Rather than seeking conversion, these institutions prioritize fostering a welcoming surroundings were students of all faiths can strengthen their own beliefs – a practice mirrored in muhammadiyah’s widely respected humanitarian efforts.
Universities affiliated with the Indonesian Islamic organization Muhammadiyah are seeing a majority of their students come from non-Muslim backgrounds, a testament to the group’s inclusive approach to education. The trend highlights the organization’s commitment to serving all members of the community, regardless of religious affiliation.
Irwan Akib, head of Muhammadiyah’s education, sports, arts, and culture division, detailed the demographic makeup of the universities during a graduation ceremony at the University of Muhammadiyah Gorontalo on December 23.
Muhammadiyah currently operates five universities across Indonesia: the University of Muhammadiyah Sorong, the Sorong Muhammadiyah Education University, the University of Muhammadiyah Papua, the University of Muhammadiyah West Papua, and the University of Muhammadiyah Teluk Bintuni.
“On average, 60 to 80 percent of students at these campuses are non-Muslim,” Akib said.
Despite being Islamic institutions, these universities do not attempt to convert their non-Muslim students. Instead, they focus on strengthening students’ existing faith. “The more they study here, the stronger their faith becomes in the religion they already practice. They are not pressured to convert,” Akib explained.
Muhammadiyah believes that religious conversion is a personal decision and a divine prerogative. The organization’s role, according to Akib, is to introduce Islam, leaving the choice to embrace the faith to the individual.
This commitment to inclusivity extends beyond education to humanitarian aid. Muhammadiyah provides assistance to all those in need, regardless of their religious beliefs, during times of disaster.
Following recent disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, Muhammadiyah responded quickly, offering aid without discrimination. “Muhammadiyah moves quickly, and when providing assistance, we don’t ask about someone’s religion or ethnicity,” Akib said. “Everyone is served equally, without regard to background.”
