Muhammadiyah and Social Justice: Analysis of Figures Understanding, Roles, and Organizational Contributions to Current Issues

Abstract

Social justice is the means and purpose of the establishment of the Republic of Indonesia. The state as a policy maker to realize social welfare is required to fight for social justice. However, in the context of governing the government and realizing social development, the government cannot do it alone and has limitations in reaching the community throughout Indonesia. Therefore, other elements of society are needed as partners of the state to achieve that common goal, one of which is the Islamic mass organization. This article examines one of the Islamic mass organizations that has a long history in fighting for social justice in Indonesia, namely Muhammadiyah. Related to that, several important things are analyzed, among them the understanding of Muhammadiyah figures about social justice, the role, and contribution of the organization to current social justice issues. This paper uses a case study design with a qualitative approach, that is, the necessary data is obtained through the study of related document archives that are elaborated with the data obtained by conducting interviews. This study found that Muhammadiyah from the beginning of its establishment until now is still committed to strive for social justice in Indonesia. In the current context, that is evidenced by the role of Muhammadiyah in providing criticism when there is a foundation or state policy that is against the community's desire to live. In addition, work programs aimed at the social, economic, and religious empowerment of the community are also provided by Muhammadiyah to help the weak community to rise to become an independent community in its socio-economic life.