Muhammadiyah: Indonesia Must Not Stagnate
The Central Leadership (PP) of Muhammadiyah has highlighted the significance of National Awakening Day (Harkitnas), observed on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. The General Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, Haedar Nashir, stated that this momentum serves as a reminder for both the government and the public to safeguard and advance Indonesia.
“Indonesia must not stand still or feel satisfied with its current achievements,” said Haedar on Wednesday. He noted that many aspects of national life still require improvement to ensure Indonesia can stand equal to developed nations, including those within the ASEAN region.
To address the condition of a stagnant nation, Haedar argued that a comprehensive national development blueprint is required, featuring strategic agendas that are systematically programmed and sustainable, rather than sporadic measures. Such steps are essential to ensure Indonesia’s future direction is measurable and does not merely progress without significant annual achievements.
“Indonesia must have a clear direction towards becoming a developed nation, built upon a solid foundation and focused objectives,” he added.
He reminded that national progress cannot be measured solely by formal democracy, human rights, and pluralism. Instead, Indonesia’s progress must be realised through economic strengthening, the welfare of the people, the improvement of human resource quality, effective natural resource management, and the mastery of highly competitive science and technology. Furthermore, this development must be supported by a national character that upholds moral values, noble ethics, and a progressive culture.
“The government plays a vital role as the primary actor in development, capable of providing clear policy directions that serve as a common reference,” he stated.
Simultaneously, Haedar invited the public to foster a progressive culture in daily life, such as developing reading habits, visiting libraries, and utilising social media as a space for knowledge and literacy development.
Haedar noted that the commemoration of National Awakening, which references the birth of Boedi Oetomo in 1908, should be interpreted more broadly as a milestone for the birth of Indonesian national consciousness. This movement was driven by various elements, such as the Sarekat Dagang Islam led by Haji Samanhoedi in 1905, which evolved into Sarekat Islam under HOS Tjokroaminoto in 1911, and Muhammadiyah, which emerged in 1912 through movements in education, health, community empowerment, and national scouting.
“Therefore, National Awakening must serve as a momentum to awaken the national spirit that drives Indonesia forward progressively,” he concluded.