Haedar Nashir Receives Special Senior Journalist Card from Press Council

Muhammadiyah Central Board Chairman Haedar Nashir officially received a Special Senior Journalist Card from the Press Council on Thursday (13/8). The award was presented directly by Press Council Chairman Komaruddin Hidayat during the 2026 Muhammadiyah Press and Literacy Day event at the University of Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ), South Tangerang.

This honour recognises Haedar Nashir’s long-standing career in journalism, which began during his university days in 1982. Over a 42-year period, he served as a journalist for Suara Muhammadiyah (SM) starting in 1984, later becoming its Editor-in-Chief, and actively wrote columns for various national media outlets, including Republika.

Haedar expressed his emotion upon receiving the award, recalling the difficult times when he was starting his career as a field reporter. “For five years, I was forged in the field by the Editor-in-Chief of SM. Despite all the hardships, including the disappointment of having my work torn up, I remained enthusiastic about learning until I truly became a journalist,” he remembered.

Press Council Chairman Komaruddin Hidayat stressed the importance of dedicated and reputable press members amidst the current flood of information. He noted that information has become a basic necessity, akin to air and water, and appreciated Muhammadiyah’s role in presenting news that undergoes a verification process to enlighten the public.

In his address, Haedar Nashir affirmed Muhammadiyah’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of national progress. He reminded the audience that activities in politics, economics, and culture must possess noble values and clear ethical boundaries. He also highlighted the importance of religion as a liberating force through the movement of ‘enjoining good and forbidding evil’.

Regarding national life, Haedar revisited the essence of the fourth principle of Pancasila. He stressed that state management must be based on wisdom and prudence, not merely a contest of political power. He urged policymakers to be more open to listening to the clear voices of community organisations, religious figures, and academics before conflicts arise in society.

Concluding his speech, Haedar addressed the issue of social justice. He called upon those with economic and political power to share their roles in the ‘middle ground’, rather than merely at the periphery. “Utilise the advantages of economic and political power to create social justice for all Indonesian people,” he concluded.

The event was also attended by several prominent figures, including Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti, Minister of Food Zulkifli Hasan, UMJ Rector Ma’mun Murod, and leaders from Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah universities.