Muhammadiyah Museum: Documenting Social and Religious History in Indonesia
The Muhammadiyah Museum, registered with the Museum Indonesia national museum system under NPNM 34.02.U.06.0300, is a public museum dedicated to presenting the historical journey and social impact of the Muhammadiyah organization — one of the largest Islamic socio-religious movements in Indonesia.
What Is the Muhammadiyah Museum?
The Muhammadiyah Museum is a public history museum that showcases the historical development of the Muhammadiyah movement from its founding to the present day. It functions as an educational institution that connects visitors with the role of Muhammadiyah in Indonesian society, particularly in education, health services, social welfare, and activism.
Type and Museum Classification
- Type: General Museum
- Theme: Historical documentation of an influential religious and social organization.
As part of the Indonesian museum registry, it contributes to the preservation of collective memory of Indonesia’s social and religious history.
Management
The museum is owned and managed by the Muhammadiyah organization, with oversight of collection stewardship, exhibition curation, and educational programming to ensure accurate representation of the organization’s legacy.
History of the Museum
Though the Muhammadiyah organization was founded in 1912, the physical museum itself was officially inaugurated on November 14, 2022, at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) Yogyakarta. The museum’s establishment followed several years of planning and construction beginning in 2017, supported by key Muhammadiyah leaders.
Museum Collections
The museum houses an expanding collection of:
- Archival materials documenting the organization’s milestones and leaders.
- Photographs and memorabilia of Muhammadiyah figures and events.
- Interactive displays and multimedia presentations.
- Exhibits showcasing educational, social, and religious programs initiated by Muhammadiyah.
As of early 2025, the museum’s collection includes over 2,800 items reflecting the broad reach and impact of Muhammadiyah in Indonesia.
Vision
The museum’s vision is to be a space presenting the history of Muhammadiyah in religious, national, and humanitarian dimensions, serving as a platform for information, value transformation, education, and recreation.
Mission
Its mission includes:
- Collecting, preserving, and conserving Muhammadiyah historical artifacts and archives.
- Providing informative and educational exhibitions for the public.
- Supporting historical research and scholarly documentation.
- Functioning as a non-formal educational resource that fosters national awareness.
- Promoting cooperation with domestic and international institutions for museum development.
- Implementing sustainable and professional museum management.
Role in Cultural Preservation and Learning
As part of the national museum network, the Muhammadiyah Museum plays a vital role in preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage by highlighting the contributions of one of the nation’s most enduring socio-religious movements. It serves as an educational resource for students, researchers, and the broader public seeking to understand Indonesia’s complex historical narrative.
