A Snapshot of Muhammadiyah: Social Change and Shifting Markers of Identity and Values

Publication Title: Working Paper Series 

Publisher: Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore 

Series: WPS 221 

Publication Date: May/2014 

Author/Speaker: Dr BUSH Robin 

Keywords: Muhammadiyah, Islam in Indonesia, Nahdlatul Ulama, modernist Islam 

Abstract / Description: 

Historically Muhammadiyah has played a crucial role as vanguard of modernist Islam within Indonesia; more contemporarily Muhammadiyah members have dominated segments of the state bureaucracy, wielding considerable policy influence in key sectors. Given its importance, relatively little solid data is available on this influential organization – and even less is known about how its own social identity may be changing over time. Recognizing this, The Asia Foundation and LSI (Lembaga Survey Indonesia) partnered to conduct a nation-wide quantitative survey, followed by in-depth Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) aimed at gathering both quantitative and qualitative data on a range of issues related to how Muhammadiyah members perceive their own group’s identity, and how it may be changing. I propose to present the results of this survey, in particular focusing on four key areas: a) consumption of social services- particularly health and education, b) the role of religious leaders within Muhammadiyah, c) relationship between NU and Muhammadiyah, and d) views on democracy, gender, and pluralism. The survey results indicate both continuity and change, and present a portrait of an organization that is adapting in different ways to its rapidly changing political and social environment. Abstract / Description: Historically Muhammadiyah has played a crucial role as vanguard of modernist Islam within Indonesia; more contemporarily Muhammadiyah members have dominated segments of the state bureaucracy, wielding considerable policy influence in key sectors. Given its importance, relatively little solid data is available on this influential organization – and even less is known about how its own social identity may be changing over time. Recognizing this, The Asia Foundation and LSI (Lembaga Survey Indonesia) partnered to conduct a nation-wide quantitative survey, followed by in-depth Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) aimed at gathering both quantitative and qualitative data on a range of issues related to how Muhammadiyah members perceive their own group’s identity, and how it may be changing. I propose to present the results of this survey, in particular focusing on four key areas: a) consumption of social services- particularly health and education, b) the role of religious leaders within Muhammadiyah, c) relationship between NU and Muhammadiyah, and d) views on democracy, gender, and pluralism. The survey results indicate both continuity and change, and present a portrait of an organization that is adapting in different ways to its rapidly changing political and social environment.

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