UGM Philology Expert and Former 'Aisyiyah Chairperson Prof. Chamamah Soeratno Passes Away
Professor Chamamah Soeratno, a philology expert from Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and former chairperson of ’Aisyiyah, has passed away. The sad news was conveyed by the Chairman of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah, Haedar Nashir, via a press release.
Prof. Dr. Chamamah Soeratno passed away on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, at 20.10 WIB. In addition to being a lecturer at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM, Prof. Chamamah also served as the General Chairperson of the Central Board of ’Aisyiyah for two terms, from 2000 to 2005 and 2005 to 2010.
Haedar Nashir expressed deep condolences, stating that the organisation had lost a scholar and a figure of ’Aisyiyah who possessed extraordinary dedication, breadth of thought, and a spirit of service. “We have lost a Muhammadiyah and ’Aisyiyah figure who was an intellectual and had a high spirit in the struggle of the organisation. Besides being a senior professor at UGM, she was also known as a female figure with broad thinking and a global radius of interaction. She even once delivered a speech at the United Nations representing ’Aisyiyah,” Haedar said on Tuesday (7/7).
Haedar remembered the deceased as a person who was friendly in social interactions but remained firm in holding to her principles. In various discussion forums, Prof. Chamamah was known to be open to differences of opinion and always respected anyone she engaged in dialogue with. “We knew her as a friendly figure, yet firm in her stance and views. Discussions with her were always spirited, but she greatly respected differences of opinion. She also showed respect to the younger generation and did not hesitate to accept their views or input,” he said.
Furthermore, Haedar assessed that Prof. Chamamah’s dedication to the progress of ’Aisyiyah was an example worth inheriting for future generations. According to him, her leadership was built on a foundation of knowledge, extensive networks, and an unwavering spirit of service. “Her service was fully dedicated to advancing ’Aisyiyah. For the leaders of ’Aisyiyah in the generations after her, it is important to learn about her persistence, spirit of service, and wide network, and most importantly, to continue expanding knowledge and thought. That is a very valuable strength for a leader who drives the organisation,” Haedar stated.
In closing, Haedar prayed that Allah SWT would accept all of the deceased’s good deeds, forgive her shortcomings, and grant her the best place by His side. “May the late Prof. Chamamah Soeratno have a husnul khatimah, may her grave be widened, all her worship accepted, all her mistakes forgiven, and may she be granted a place in heaven in the pleasure of Allah SWT. May the family left behind be granted sincerity and patience, and may the trail of goodness and struggle of the deceased be continued by the family and the younger generation who love knowledge and service in the way of Allah,” he concluded.