Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) Dr. Ir. Gunawan Budiyanto, M.P. acted as a speaker at an upgrading session conducted by Pimpinan Cabang Istimewa Muhammadiyah (PCIM) and Pimpinan Cabang Istimewa Aisyiyah (PCIA) Taiwan on Sunday (2/12). Gunawan, who is also a grandson of a Muhammadiyah figure Ki Bagus Hadikusumo, talked about leadership strategies of Muhammadiyah and power of assets and funds of Muhammadiyah charity businesses, so called ‘gerakan senyap’ (a silent movement).

At the upgrading attended by Head of Aisyiyah Siti Noordjanah Djohantini and Head of Majelis Tarjih dan Tajdid “Muhammadiyah as a bottom-up institution is the greatest movement in both Indonesia and the world. A silent movement is the utmost strength of Muhammadiyah to perform dakwah and share to community. Thus, a modern organization theory should have been revised by real actions of Muhammadiyah.”

As mentioned on an official website Muhammadiyah.” Gunawan added that a leadership style applied at Muammadiyah is progressive leadership focusing on alleviating poverty. “An interpretation of Al-Main based on a Muhammadiyah approach refers to not only an economic sector but also understanding of poverty in literacy. Lack of information and a lot of hoaxes are a new form of poverty which should be grasped by PCIM Taiwan,” he believed.

Gunawan also explained four pillars of the Muhammadiyah after a Muhammadiyah congress in Makassar, namely education, health, law, and economy. Hence, many people and experts are amazed by the Muhammadiyah movement due to its uniqueness.

Additionally, Gunawan stated that Muhammadiyah’s politics is politics to achieve noble goals. He emphasized, “Politics should not merely be comprehended as a power struggle.”

He also proposed a notion of a dakwah road map change in a digital era 4.0. Disruption of a social system requires Muhammadiyah to rearrange the dakwah road map,” informed Gunawan.