SERVING AS A ROLE MODEL: Historical Perspectives on Muhammadiyah’s Multicultural Da‘wa Towards Chinese Indonesians, 1960–1970

Abstract

Muhammadiyah has historically played a significant role in bridging conflict through multicultural da’wah. Although the organization originated in Yogyakarta and was initially intended only for the local community, it has evolved into a national and global da‘wa movement that spans across ethnicities, including Chinese Indonesians. Literature discussing Muhammadiyah’s da‘wa is abundant, yet little is known about Muhammadiyah’s multicultural da‘wa and its impact on Chinese Muslim Indonesians. This study aims to reveal the historical role of Muhammadiyah in establishing multicultural da‘wa for Chinese Indonesians. Using a qualitative historical research method and an interdisciplinary approach, the findings illustrate that due to the encouragement of the chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Executive, K. H. Ibrahim, Chinese Muslims propa­gated Islam to the people within their ethnicity, through the establishment of PITI. Further, Muhamma­di­yah’s da‘wa method inspired Chinese Indonesians to carry out da‘wa in a similar way. Chinese Indonesians who have converted to Islam preach Islam through the organization and da‘wa bil hal.