Transforming Islamic Education in Post-Independence Indonesia: Muhammadiyah’s Role and Contribution

Authors

  • Nizhar Bahirul Fata Universitas Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35723/jie.v11i2.724

Keywords:

Organisation, Muhammadiyah, Reform, Islamic Education, Post-Independence

Abstract

This study aims to analyse Muhammadiyah's contribution to the transformation of Islamic education in post-independence Indonesia by examining its educational thought, reform strategies, and institutional innovations in developing modern Islamic education. The study focuses on how Muhammadiyah's educational ideas and practices have addressed the dichotomy between religious and general knowledge and contributed to the development of integrative, progressive, and humanistic Islamic education. This study employs library research with a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through documentation of relevant books, scientific articles, organisational documents, and scholarly works by Indonesian and international authors concerning Islamic education, educational reform, and Muhammadiyah's educational development. Data validity was strengthened through source triangulation by comparing and cross-checking information from various academic and organisational sources. Data analysis combines inductive and deductive approaches to understand conceptual and historical reflections and to identify patterns of educational thought, reform strategies, and institutional innovations. The findings demonstrate that Muhammadiyah has contributed significantly to the transformation of modern Islamic education through the integration of religious and general sciences, the development of inclusive educational institutions, the integration of Islamic and Muhammadiyah values into the curriculum, the strengthening of character-based education, the modernisation of teaching and learning practices, and the expansion of educational access. This study contributes a conceptual and historical synthesis of Muhammadiyah's educational thought, strategies, and innovations, demonstrating their significance in shaping modern Islamic education in Indonesia. The findings suggest that Muhammadiyah's educational model provides a relevant reference for contemporary Islamic education reform, although further empirical research is needed to examine its implementation in specific educational institutions.

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Published

2026-10-07