Muhammadiyah followers worse off, says chairman

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sat, 11/21/2009 7:05 PM  |  National

Compared to their predecessors, followers of the Muhammadiyah Islamic group today are less wealthy, its chairman says.

“Previously there were many Muhammadiyah members who were financially strong, so they could help turn the organization’s wheels. This has changed gradually and now many of our members come from middle- and lower-income groups,” Muhammadiyah chairman Din Syamsuddin said on the sidelines of a seminar and workshop in Malang on Saturday.

Din said the change, which had been happening since the 1970s, had indirectly impacted Muhammadiyah’s efforts to realize its founding fathers’ socio-economic vision.

The group’s lack of access to financial resources had forced its leaders in the national and regional structures to seek alternative means to keep the organization afloat, he said.

“Muhammadiyah will not regain its glory if it falls short in terms of economic and financial strength, which it needs to cover its programs contributing to national development,” Din was quoted by Antara.

Muhammadiyah will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2012. As the oldest Muslim organization in Indonesia, it boasts more than 35 million followers.

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