Bincang Bincang Bersama Pimpinan Cabang Aisyiyah Cabang Andir Kota Bandung

Summary

This interview with Ibu Mimin Pujiati, the Ketua of Aisyah Branch Andir, delves into the impactful work of Aisyah in Bandung, focusing on its educational, social, and economic initiatives. Ibu Mimin highlights the organization's historical roots in Muhammadiyah, its educational programs ranging from early childhood education to youth religious classes, and the challenges of leadership and cadre development. She also discusses Aisyah’s economic activities like savings programs and small businesses, as well as its social work, including supporting the elderly and foster children. The interview concludes with reflections on Aisyah’s commitment to community service through the principles of Al-Ma'un.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Muhammadiyah organization was founded by KH Ahmad Dahlan in 1912 with the aim of spreading Islam and fighting against colonialism.
• 😀 The Aisyiyah organization, as part of Muhammadiyah, has been evolving with its leadership passing through 12 cycles of election, with the most recent being in 2022.
• 😀 Aisyiyah focuses on women's roles in society, with many educational and charitable initiatives, such as running kindergartens (TK) and providing community-based educational programs.
• 😀 The leadership of Aisyiyah continues the legacy of previous leaders by managing programs such as religious teachings for children, including Maghrib recitations for older kids.
• 😀 Aisyiyah is an autonomous organization within Muhammadiyah, with the ability to manage its own projects but still adhering to the central principles of Muhammadiyah.
• 😀 One of the major challenges in growing the organization is the process of cadre development, which includes both formal and informal methods to ensure the sustainability of leadership.
• 😀 Aisyiyah's economic program includes initiatives like 'Bu Eka' (Aisyiyah Economic Business), which facilitates community lending, as well as managing uniform sales and small businesses.
• 😀 Aisyiyah provides charitable services like monthly aid for elderly women and the sponsorship of orphaned children, showing a strong commitment to social welfare.
• 😀 The organization faces the challenge of fostering a sense of community and ensuring that the work of Aisyiyah and Muhammadiyah remains focused on helping others.
• 😀 Aisyiyah also actively engages in religious outreach through weekly study sessions and participation in local community activities, including working with other Islamic and community groups.
• 😀 Despite challenges, Aisyiyah upholds the principle of 'almaun,' which emphasizes helping others even with modest resources, showing the organization's commitment to social responsibility and community welfare.

Q & A

What is the main mission of Muhammadiyah as discussed in the interview?

The main mission of Muhammadiyah is to engage in Islamic missionary work (dawah), promoting good (amar ma'ruf) and preventing evil (nahi munkar), with a strong focus on serving the community and advancing the welfare of society.

Who is the current leader of Aisyiyah Andir and what is her role?

The current leader of Aisyiyah Andir is Mimin Pujiati, who serves as the head of the Aisyiyah Andir Branch for the 2022-2027 term.

What is the significance of the Aisyiyah organization within the larger Muhammadiyah framework?

Aisyiyah is an autonomous women's organization within Muhammadiyah that operates in parallel with Muhammadiyah's activities. Aisyiyah follows the guidelines set by Muhammadiyah while managing its own programs focused on women's welfare, education, and community service.

How has the Aisyiyah organization evolved since its inception?

Aisyiyah has evolved significantly since its founding in the 1970s, starting with the establishment of educational institutions such as TK Aisyiyah and expanding to include community programs, youth education, and economic ventures. The organization has experienced leadership changes every five years, continuing the legacy of Muhammadiyah’s founding principles.

What are some key educational initiatives run by Aisyiyah Andir?

Aisyiyah Andir runs several educational initiatives, including kindergartens (TK), Quranic learning programs (TPA, DTA), and the recently launched Maghrib Mengaji program, which is aimed at teenagers and focuses on continuing Islamic education beyond formal schooling.

How does Aisyiyah Andir support the community through its economic programs?

Aisyiyah Andir supports the community through its economic programs such as 'BU Eka,' which provides savings and loan services, small business support, and the supply of uniforms and other materials. These efforts are funded by the contributions of Aisyiyah members and sympathizers.

What challenges does Aisyiyah Andir face in its leadership and organizational development?

Aisyiyah Andir faces challenges related to leadership development (pengkaderan), particularly in training new leaders and ensuring the continuation of the organization's mission. Despite these challenges, Aisyiyah remains committed to fostering future leaders through both formal and informal methods.

What role does Aisyiyah play in social welfare and assistance programs?

Aisyiyah plays an active role in social welfare by providing monthly assistance to elderly women, orphan support, and distributing basic necessities like food packages. The organization also offers aid during emergencies, such as natural disasters, helping those in need within the community.

What does Aisyiyah believe in regarding the relationship between material rewards and the organization's mission?

Aisyiyah believes in focusing on serving the community and fulfilling the organization's mission rather than seeking material gain. However, it acknowledges that those working within its programs have the right to receive compensation for their efforts, which aligns with fair and just practices.

How does Aisyiyah ensure the continued growth and development of its educational programs?

Aisyiyah ensures the continued growth of its educational programs by maintaining strong community trust, focusing on the quality of education at its institutions, and expanding its programs to offer additional learning opportunities like Maghrib Mengaji for older children and teenagers.