Education quality key to Muhammadiyah's progress in West Java, says deputy minister

Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Fajar Riza Ul Haq has stated that improving education quality is key for Muhammadiyah in West Java to strengthen competitiveness whilst maintaining public trust. Speaking during a visit to Cimahi on Saturday, Deputy Minister Fajar conveyed that quality improvement is essential for Muhammadiyah to produce outstanding generations capable of facing the challenges of change. “The torch of enlightenment for Muhammadiyah West Java must continue to burn through education quality, so that Muhammadiyah schools are able to produce generations that are excellent, of strong character, and ready to face the challenges of changing times,” he said. He stated that the development of educational charitable enterprises must be oriented towards improving learning quality, innovation, and educational services, as competition between schools is increasingly determined by the quality perceived by the community. “Educational competition today is increasingly determined by quality, innovation, good service, and public trust, so all Muhammadiyah schools need to continuously improve the quality of their educational services,” he said. Fajar appreciated the achievements of Muhammadiyah schools in West Java, particularly at the junior secondary level, where more than 80 percent have attained an ‘A’ accreditation. Nevertheless, he assessed that quality improvement at the primary and senior secondary levels remains a task to be addressed. He also considered that school development must be carried out through careful planning, innovation, and sustainability in order to respond to changing community needs and developments in educational technology. “Do not just open a school with only a ‘bismillah’ as capital. Muhammadiyah schools must be built with planning, quality, innovation, and sustainability so they continue to develop and earn the community’s trust,” said Fajar. He added that private schools managed by the community, including Muhammadiyah, are strategic partners of the government in expanding access as well as improving the quality of national education through sustainable collaboration. He expressed hope that these efforts could become a joint step in enhancing sustainable and competitive education quality.