President Prabowo Subianto Appreciates Muhammadiyah’s Role in Nation Building
President Prabowo Subianto in his remarks, Muhammadiyah University of Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Wednesday (12/04). (Photo by: BPMI/Rusman
President Prabowo Subianto Wednesday (12/04) expressed his appreciation for the significant contribution of Muhammadiyah by establishing facilities for the people in developing the nation and maintaining Indonesian unity amid global challenges.
“I think Muhammadiyah’s role is significant. Last I counted—if I’m not mistaken—Muhammadiyah has 167 universities, 126 hospitals, 231 clinics, 5,345 schools and Islamic schools, 440 Islamic boarding schools, and a vast network of organizations at home and abroad,” the President said in his remarks at the Conference Session and the 112th Anniversary of Muhammadiyah at the Muhammadiyah University of Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara province.
According to the President, Muhammadiyah has also produced many great national figures, including the first president of Indonesia President Soekarno, who was once a Muhammadiyah caretaker and the first country’s Commander-in-Chief General Soedirman, who was also the Principal of the Muhammadiyah High School in Purwokerto.
“In addition to religious teaching, Muhammadiyah’s influence also instills patriotism and a spirit of love for the motherland, thus producing extraordinary leaders,” he added.
The Head of State also underscored the importance of maintaining unity and avoiding conflict amid global uncertainty.
“What we see today, the global situation teaches and reminds us to be both vigilant and grateful. We must be grateful that our country is not bombed today. The Istiqlal Mosque is still standing. Muhammadiyah University is still intact. Our factories are not damaged,” he said.
As a country rich in natural resources, the President continued that Indonesia would face major challenges, and he expressed confidence and optimism that the challenges can be overcome by remaining vigilant and taking steps to downstream minerals.
“How can we have to sell our resources as raw materials for hundreds of years? We don’t want that anymore. We want God’s gifts to be bought at the right price so we obtain added value that can be used to improve the welfare of our people,” President Subianto added.
The President also invited all parties to continue to strengthen the unity for the progress of the nation.
“We certainly have many differences, but please look for common points for the nation and state. Happy 112th anniversary to Muhammadiyah. Please continue to serve the nation and its people. Please continue what you have done and represent,” President Subianto remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/DNS) (GWH/EP)
