Why should Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs) synergize? What is the importance of synergy between Muhammadiyah and MHEIs? These questions were asked by Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu’ti, M.Ed when delivering his materials in front of Leadership Training Batch 8 participants on Wednesday (12/10). Prof. Mu’ti emphasized in the Muhammadiyah context, the synergy among MHEIs and between MHEIs and Muhammadiyah is important. “Because we are moving along to reach particular goals,” he said.

He added that to achieve a good synergy, three elements should be included. First, ideological synergy because Muhammadiyah is not only an educational and social movement. Besides those two aspects, Muhammadiyah highlights Islamic values as the foundation of its movement. It is a distinct point from other organizations as Muhammadiyah services (AUM) become the actualization, concretization, and objectification of those values. To actualize transformative Islamic values is worshiping practice for Muhammadiyah members. AUM’s existence portrays worship that concretization should be measured and actualized. “For example, the accreditation status is an objective measurement of MHEIs, because accreditation reflects on excellent points believed by broader communities,” he added.

Secondly, the strategic synergy through its function in da’wa (preaching), educating and fostering. It requires the synergy between Muhammadiyah policies and MHEIs’ policies. “So when there is a problem, then the case comes to court, it shows there is no synergy,” he emphasized.

Third, program synergy to interpret Muhammadiyah programs to be adopted. In this circumstance, MHEIs should strengthen the Muhammadiyah renewal movement. “Good university governance is a concrete goal to be achieved. So the leaders in higher education institutions should encourage and become role models for their human resources.,” he concluded.