MUHAMMADIYAH: THE POLITICAL BEHAVIOR OF MODERNIST MUSLIM ELITE IN INDONESIA

Purpose: This paper discusses the political behavior of the Muhammadiyah elite in building a political culture in Indonesia. Methodology: This paper provides a literature study in which the data obtained from various sources of literature, the findings of previous researches, and the official decisions of the organization. The political-sociological approach was used in this study, to discuss the meeting point of Muhammadiyah in non-political parties since the post-independence to the reform era. Result: The Muhammadiyah elite has a central role and contribution in building Indonesian political culture, both at the regional and national levels. The elite of this movement occupies a strategic position in the government and state institutions. The movement affects the political dynamics and contributes a lot in determining the direction of political policy in Indonesia. Applications: This research can be used for the universities, teachers and education students. Novelty/Originality: Essentially, the Muhammadiyah elite is accommodative by being proportional, neutral in instigating collaboration, and relatively adaptable to political developments, yet being critical towards power.