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| Results of the Mural by Artists and Cultural Figures (Photo: Wildan Humas). |
Indonesia is not only blessed with beautiful nature and a good climate, but also with three values that give character to the nation. This was emphasized by the General Chairman of Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board, Prof. Dr. Haedar Nashir, M.Si., during the National Creativity Camp for Muhammadiyah Artists and Cultural Figures on July 19, 2024. The event, organized by the Muhammadiyah Cultural Arts Institute, was attended by hundreds of Muhammadiyah artists and cultural figures from various provinces in Indonesia over three days.
Furthermore, Haedar explained that these three values are religion, culture, and Pancasila. Indonesia is a religious nation where religion has peacefully integrated over time. The transition from traditional religions to a Hindu majority and then to a Muslim majority occurred very peacefully, with Indonesia experiencing minimal religious conflict.
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"Religion has significantly contributed to the growth of the nation. All religious communities played a role in achieving independence. Religion also imparts a religious character to every citizen, encompassing social sensitivity and piety, including in managing nature and its contents," he said.
The second value, culture, refers to the collective knowledge system in each community, serving as a social behavior guide. Moderate attitudes also stem from cultures growing in communities, which then become Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. The third value is Pancasila, which serves as the political consensus commitment to form the nation.
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"Therefore, amidst the complex dynamics of life, the Indonesian nation must have a foundation. In this case, it is a worldview based on the three aforementioned values. This national camp is also an effort to transform cultural values into community life," he added.
A similar sentiment was expressed by the Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Cultural Arts Institute, Prof. Dr. Ir. Gunawan Budianto, M.P. IPM. ASEAN. According to him, Muhammadiyah has never been separated from arts and culture. Both are fundamental and strategic aspects of the movement's dawah. Arts and culture also serve as soft diplomacy, enriching Muhammadiyah's dawah methods.
"Religion is without compulsion, and Muhammadiyah is also without compulsion. Through arts and culture, Muhammadiyah can present itself in a cool way. Hopefully, this national camp can further enlighten us, especially in developing arts and culture," said Gunawan.
On the other hand, Acting Mayor of Batu, Aries Agung Paewai, M.M., welcomed Muhammadiyah's intention to build a foundation for arts and culture. Although Batu is known as a tourist city, it also aims to support those focused on enhancing arts and culture. He believes that national agendas like this can produce the best outcomes from the best generations.
"This can be a moment to uphold culture, and its birth will be in Batu City. Thank you to the Muhammadiyah community for supporting government programs and synergizing to build a better nation," he concluded. (wil/fajr)
