Islamic Reform Movement In Indonesia: Role Of Muhammadiyah In Social Empowerment

This paper discusses an Indonesian Islamic reform movement established in early 20th century, which has been then known as Muhammadiyah. It was astablished on awareness to direct the people and guide them to be dignified. The mission of the organization is to spread the values and teachings of Islam to educate and empower the people.This paper is focused on the role of Muhammadiyah as a religious group through the harmonization of religion and education. It is believed that education is the means to acquire knowledge. Muhammadiyah is still consistent with its original objective in community development through the religious teaching and education for empowerment and enlightenment, and has paid attention to the importance of education to improve the lives of the people and this nation. So, this organization has become one of empowerment and enlightenment agents for the dignity of the Indonesian nation. Its services are not only for its members, but it is for the nation and humans, as well as its participation on peace project in the international world. The importance of this study lies on the existence of Muhammadiyah as a social group which plays some roles of the state responsibility, that is to educate and empower the people.