The National Meeting (Rakornas) for Islamic and Muhammadiyah Studies (AIK) of Muhammadiyah – ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs) had conducted on Wednesday (06/07) in Surabaya. The Meeting released several recommendations as Islam and Muhammadiyah values reference. In the following years, these recommendations could be guidelines for Islamic and Muhammadiyah Studies development in MHEIs. The results brought declarations that Islam and Muhammadiyah values were a spirit, living values, guidelines, and driving force of MHEIs. Therefore, the AIK National Meeting declared three commitments for MHEIs.
First, to place AIK as educational, research, and community service mainstream. It becomes a part of Catur Dharma’s implementation of MHEIs. Second, to establish MHEIs as the preaching (da’wa) and cadre development center of Muhammadiyah. Third, to integrate the knowledge of AIK in the development of general knowledge and technology. It can be implemented to create the universe’s humanity.
The results in the form of declarations had been accepted by the Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (CHERD). Then, it was expected that CHERD could bring the declarations to be discussed in the National Congress (Muktamar and Tanwir) of the Muhammadiyah Central Board.
The Closing Speech from Rector of UM Surabaya, Dr dr Sukadiono MM
Afterward, the Rector of UM Surabaya, Dr dr Sukadiono MM, delivered his closing speech. He expected that the three-day meeting could ease, improve, and accelerate the cultural process of Islam and Muhammadiyah in MHEIs. “It becomes a concrete way to actualize Muhammadiyah’s purpose in managing its community services (AUM). The management can be a foundation of Islamic community establishment that is in line with the goal for becoming community and nation’s enlightenment,” he said.
He continued by expressing his targets, strategies, and the best method for MHEIs could not be achievable by the required subject of MHEIs alone, but it should be the living values for MHEIs. “I hope the National Meeting strengthens the collaboration and builds commitment and common interest. It aimed to get into the purpose of the organization and institutional excellencies,” Sukadiono said.
