Indonesia’s Presidential Chief of Staff Highlights Muhammadiyah’s Role in National Progress

Knowledge, Dudung Abdurachman said, should not stop at learning. It must become service, and that service must bring practical benefit to others.

The Indonesian presidential chief of staff made the remarks at the 13th Muhammadiyah Day event at Muhammadiyah University Jakarta on September 5, 2026. The event focused on the need to balance a scientific ethos with spirituality in building global civilization, a theme he said reflected Muhammadiyah’s tradition of developing knowledge alongside public service.

“Within Muhammadiyah, knowledge does not stop at becoming information. Knowledge must become action, and action must bring benefit,” Dudung said. “Progress is not measured only by how far we go, but by how much benefit we leave for others.”

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Within Muhammadiyah, knowledge does not stop at becoming information. Knowledge must become action, and action must bring benefit. Progress is not measured only by how far we go, but by how much benefit we leave for others.

He pointed to education, health care, social services and humanitarian movements as examples of Muhammadiyah’s contribution to society. He also summarized what he described as three lessons from the organization: having knowledge without losing faith, serving without excessive talk, and dedicating oneself without seeking praise.

Dudung said national development requires collaboration between government and society. “The state has authority and regulation, while society has social strength and trust. When the two move together, development becomes stronger, faster and closer to the people’s needs,” he said.

He described Muhammadiyah as a strategic national partner because it remains present in communities while maintaining independence and moral principles. Dudung added that he had not come to bring something to the organization. Instead, he said the event gave him a chance to learn about sincerity, steadfastness, discipline and service that does not always require applause. He also recalled Ahmad Dahlan’s message about sustaining Muhammadiyah through service, presenting it as a reminder that positions are temporary and a person’s value lies in the benefit they provide.

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The state has authority and regulation, while society has social strength and trust. When the two move together, development becomes stronger, faster and closer to the people’s needs.