The Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (CHERD/Diktilitbang) of Muhammadiyah Central Board opened the National Working Meeting (Rakernas) on Tuesday (02/05). The Rakernas was held at UM Surabaya and lasted until Thursday (04/05). It started with the reading of the Muhammadiyah Central Board Decree on the appointment of the Chairperson of STIKES Muh Aceh, UM Metro Rector, UM Purworejo Rector, UM Tasikmalaya Rector, and UM Pekajangan Pekalongan Rector by the Secretary of the CHERD, Ahmad Muttaqin, PhD. After reading the decree and inauguration of the chairman and rectors, it continued with the Chairman of Muhammadiyah Central Board, Prof. Dr. Irwan Akib MPd delivering his remarks.
To begin with, Prof. Dr. Irwan expressed gratitude and congratulated the new rector and chairperson. He mentioned that in every beginning there will be an end. It is the duration of one period in Muhammadiyah. “It means that from now on, you have to prepare yourself that you will not be a leader (in a certain position) forever,” he said. It is important to be embedded so as not to form a post-power syndrome when the term has ended.
He continued, leaders are able to prepare and inspire the next future leaders. “The success of a leader does not lie in his leadership alone, but in his preparation for regeneration of leadership to the next leader,” he said. Therefore, if there is no regeneration, it means that the leadership did not prepare it well. Nevertheless, Prof. Irwan also acknowledged that the mandate that lasts in one period is relatively brief. “So, take the leadership role effectively and use it according to the standards of Muhammadiyah – ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs), which are not only accreditation issues, but also Islam and Muhammadiyah Studies.”
The function in Muhammadiyah leadership is related to cadre. “Our current problem is that it is difficult to produce cadres who are in accordance with Muhammadiyah standard,” said Prof. Irwan. However, what needs to be remembered as Muhammadiyah cadres is to bring the values of Muhammadiyah to their life. At this point, it becomes a homework for MHEIs to shape the quality of Muhammadiyah cadres.
