enlightenment

PURWOKERTO – The Majelis Pustaka dan Informasi (MPI) or Council for Library and Information of the Central Leadership (PP) Muhammadiyah has been unequivocally designated as the strategic engine for the organization’s digital dakwah (Islamic propagation) in an era defined by a torrent of information and rapid technological advancements, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). This pivotal declaration was made by Dadang Kahmad, Chairman of the PP Muhammadiyah, during his opening address at the MPI PP Muhammadiyah Working Meeting for the 2026 Strategic Plan, convened at Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto (UMP) on Friday, July 17th.

A Strategic Imperative: Adapting to the Digital Age

Muhammadiyah, one of Indonesia’s largest and most influential Islamic organizations, has historically demonstrated a remarkable capacity for adaptation and modernization since its founding in 1912 by KH Ahmad Dahlan. Rooted in a modernist interpretation of Islam, the organization has consistently championed education, social welfare, and dakwah through innovative means. The current digital transformation initiative is a testament to this enduring spirit, recognizing that traditional methods of outreach, while still valuable, are no longer sufficient to engage a digitally native populace.

Dadang Kahmad underscored this shift, stating that dakwah in the contemporary digital era transcends the confines of traditional pulpits. It must permeate diverse modern communication channels, encompassing books, academic journals, mass media, television, radio, social media platforms, podcasts, digital video content, and crucially, the strategic utilization of AI. "Today’s dakwah cannot solely be confined to sermons from pulpits. Modern dakwah must unfold through books, journals, mass media, television, radio, social media, podcasts, digital videos, and even artificial intelligence. Whoever commands the information space holds a significant opportunity to shape public thought," he articulated, highlighting the profound influence of digital platforms on public discourse and opinion formation.

Indonesia’s Digital Landscape and the Urgency of Digital Dakwah

Indonesia, with its vast and young population, represents a vibrant digital ecosystem. According to data from the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), internet penetration in the country continues to rise, with a significant majority of the population accessing the internet primarily via mobile devices. Social media platforms boast hundreds of millions of users, making them indispensable channels for communication, information dissemination, and social interaction. This landscape presents both immense opportunities and formidable challenges for organizations like Muhammadiyah.

While digital accessibility facilitates broader outreach and engagement, it also intensifies the spread of misinformation, hoaxes, hate speech, and social polarization. These phenomena pose substantial threats to social cohesion, democratic values, and religious harmony. Dadang Kahmad emphasized that Muhammadiyah must proactively address these challenges by positioning itself as a beacon of credible, calming, enlightening, and unifying information. "Muhammadiyah must not fall victim to disinformation, hoaxes, hate speech, or social polarization. Muhammadiyah must emerge as a trusted source of information that soothes, enlightens, and unites," he asserted, reinforcing the organization’s moral imperative in the digital public sphere.

The Foundational Ethic: Tabayyun and Responsible Journalism

At the core of Muhammadiyah’s approach to digital communication and information dissemination lies the Islamic principle of tabayyun (verification or seeking clarity). Dadang Kahmad reiterated that this principle, as enshrined in Surah Al-Hujurat verse 6 of the Qur’an, forms the bedrock for ethical communication and responsible journalistic practices. Tabayyun mandates the critical verification of information before acceptance or dissemination, serving as a powerful antidote to the impulsivity and unchecked proliferation of content characteristic of the digital age. This principle aligns perfectly with the demands of modern journalism for accuracy, balance, and objectivity.

Muhammadiyah’s historical engagement with media, exemplified by its venerable publishing house and various media outlets, has always sought to uphold these standards. The call for tabayyun in the digital context is an extension of this legacy, urging members and the wider public to exercise discernment and critical thinking when consuming and sharing online content.

Embracing Artificial Intelligence with Prudence and Principle

The discussion at the Working Meeting also prominently featured the burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence. Dadang Kahmad presented a nuanced perspective on AI, asserting that it should neither be viewed solely as a threat nor uncritically embraced. Instead, Muhammadiyah is called to be a pioneer in leveraging AI, guided by core Islamic values, scientific principles, and human ethics. "Muhammadiyah must become a pioneer in the utilization of AI founded upon Islamic values, scientific knowledge, and humanitarian ethics," he stated.

This forward-thinking stance reflects Muhammadiyah’s historical commitment to scientific progress and its pragmatic approach to technological advancements. Potential applications of AI in dakwah could include personalized content delivery, automated translation of religious texts, sentiment analysis to gauge public opinion, and even the creation of interactive educational tools. However, the emphasis on ethics ensures that such applications will prioritize human dignity, prevent algorithmic bias, and promote beneficial societal outcomes in line with Islamic teachings. This positions Muhammadiyah not just as a consumer of technology, but as a thought leader in the ethical integration of AI within religious and social spheres.

A Comprehensive Roadmap for Digital Transformation: The MPI Working Meeting Agenda

The MPI Working Meeting was envisioned as a crucible for forging a comprehensive roadmap for Muhammadiyah’s digital transformation. Dadang Kahmad outlined several strategic agenda items requiring immediate attention and robust implementation:

1. Strengthening Digital Literacy among Muhammadiyah Citizens: This initiative aims to equip all members, from youth to elders, with the skills to navigate the digital world safely, critically assess information, and responsibly engage online. Enhanced digital literacy is crucial for protecting against misinformation and fostering informed citizenship.

2. Developing Digital Archives and Muhammadiyah Libraries: Modernizing the preservation and accessibility of Muhammadiyah’s vast intellectual heritage is a key priority. Digital archives will ensure that historical documents, scholarly works, and organizational records are preserved for future generations and made readily available for research and public consumption. This initiative also envisions libraries evolving beyond mere book repositories to become dynamic centers of innovation, research, and intellectual discourse.

3. Strengthening Muhammadiyah Media as a Public Reference: Muhammadiyah’s existing media ecosystem, including publications like Suara Muhammadiyah and broadcast platforms like tvMu, must be fortified and expanded into the digital realm. The goal is to establish these outlets as credible, authoritative sources of information and analysis, capable of shaping public discourse and counteracting sensationalism.

4. Developing Creative and Scientific Dakwah Content for the Younger Generation: Recognizing the distinct communication preferences of youth, the strategy emphasizes the creation of engaging, relevant, and scientifically grounded dakwah content. This includes leveraging formats popular among younger audiences, such as short videos, podcasts, interactive social media campaigns, and digital storytelling, to convey Islamic teachings in an accessible and compelling manner.

5. Formulating Ethical Guidelines for AI Utilization within the Organization: This groundbreaking initiative highlights Muhammadiyah’s proactive approach to emerging technologies. Establishing clear ethical guidelines for AI use will ensure that its deployment within the organization aligns with Islamic principles, respects privacy, and serves humanitarian objectives, setting a precedent for other religious and social institutions.

The Enduring Legacy of Literacy and Humanitarian Journalism

Dadang Kahmad drew a direct line from the present digital aspirations back to Muhammadiyah’s origins, reminding attendees that the organization was founded upon a robust tradition of literacy and scientific inquiry, a legacy inherited from KH Ahmad Dahlan. This foundational commitment to ilmu pengetahuan (knowledge/science) and literasi (literacy) must continue to be nurtured and strengthened. Libraries, in this vision, are not static repositories but vibrant hubs for the genesis of ideas, innovation, research, and the development of solutions for the challenges facing the ummah (global Muslim community) and the nation.

In the realm of media, Dadang Kahmad passionately advocated for a "journalism for humanity." He stressed that Muhammadiyah’s media outlets should transcend mere event reporting to offer insightful perspectives that enlighten the public. "Muhammadiyah journalism must become journalism for humanity, defending truth, strengthening brotherhood, amplifying the voices of the weak, and offering hope amidst various crises," he powerfully declared. This approach explicitly rejects sensationalism, emphasizing objectivity, balance, accuracy, and akhlak (moral character) as the paramount principles guiding every journalistic product emanating from the organization. This commitment to ethical and humanitarian journalism is particularly pertinent in an age where trust in media is often eroded by bias and hyper-partisanship.

Implications and Broader Impact

The ambitious digital transformation strategy articulated by Muhammadiyah carries significant implications, both internally for the organization and externally for Indonesian society.

Internal Impact:

• Enhanced Member Engagement: A modernized digital presence will facilitate more dynamic engagement with its vast membership, especially younger generations, ensuring continued relevance and vitality.
• Improved Organizational Efficiency: Digital tools and AI can streamline administrative processes, enhance communication within the extensive Muhammadiyah network of schools, hospitals, and social institutions.
• Revitalized Dakwah: By adapting its propagation methods, Muhammadiyah can more effectively convey its moderate, progressive Islamic message, fostering understanding and strengthening faith in a complex world.

External Impact:

• Shaping Public Discourse: By becoming a reliable source of credible information, Muhammadiyah can play a crucial role in counteracting misinformation and hate speech, thereby contributing to a healthier public sphere in Indonesia.
• Promoting Digital Ethics: The development of AI ethics guidelines by a prominent religious organization could serve as a model for other institutions and contribute to broader discussions on responsible technology governance in Indonesia and beyond.
• Strengthening National Unity: By emphasizing unifying messages and promoting tabayyun, Muhammadiyah can reinforce its historical role as a pillar of national cohesion and interfaith harmony in a diverse nation.
• Global Leadership: Muhammadiyah’s progressive approach to digital dakwah and AI ethics could position it as a global leader among Islamic organizations, demonstrating how faith and technology can constructively interact for societal benefit.

The challenges of implementing such a comprehensive strategy are considerable, requiring substantial investment in infrastructure, training, and talent development. However, the clear articulation of this vision at the MPI Working Meeting underscores Muhammadiyah’s unwavering commitment to evolving with the times while remaining steadfast in its foundational principles.

In conclusion, Dadang Kahmad expressed his hope that the MPI Working Meeting would transcend mere administrative planning to generate strategic agendas that fortify Muhammadiyah’s standing as a dynamic movement of knowledge and civilization in the digital age. This bold step marks a significant chapter in Muhammadiyah’s ongoing journey, reaffirming its dedication to intellectual pursuit, social progress, and ethical leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.