An idol may motivate and influence someone’s action to decide their future. Thus, students should be smart to select their idol since it will affect their future.

In Islamic Orientation of Islamic Fundamental Principles (OSDI) on Friday (9/9) at Sportorium of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), Vice Chancellor I of UMY, Dr. Ir. Gunawan Budiyanto, M.P. advised that students of UMY can imitate Islamic figures such as Prophet Muhammad or Ahmad Darwis.

Gunawan expressed his disappointment to students who prefer foreign social figures than national figures as Ahmad Darwis, a founder of Muuhammadiyah. “Students commonly quote statements of their idols to behave. I am sad that the students rarely mention Ahmad Darwis as their idol,” Gunawan told.

He argued that most of social figures create a good image on social media. “I wonder why Indonesia students seem crazy about the foreign social figures and why they do not admire Prophet Muhammad who obviously has taught Islam or Ahmad Darwis due to his roles in an educational field, establishing Muhammadiyah-affiliated higher education in Indonesia,” he emphasized.

Gunawan contended that students tend to be followers of the social figures after they graduate. They may only be able to demonstrate or do oration with showing their left hand as the symbol of the socialists. “They are inclined to leave norms and spiritual life. These points are deeply criticized,” he conveyed.

Therefore, he expected that the OSDI can acquaint students with Islamic teachings, particularly teaching of Al-Qur’an. “When you possess children later, aren’t you shy that you cannot recite Al-Qur’an while your children can? Your children may compare you with your neighbors who are able to recite Al-Qur’an,” Gunawan said.

Besides, chairperson of LPPI of UMY, Dr. M. Khaeruddin Hamsin, Lc., M.A., informed that the OSDI is a compulsory program of freshmen and is as the requirement to graduate. The freshmen will also have Al-Qur’an recitation training and Islamic Intensive Lecture (KIAI).

“Whose test of Al-Qur’an recitation has not got an ‘A’, they will take the recitation training on 3.30 p.m. at masjid K.H. Ahmad Dahlan. While, the students are obliged to stay at university residence for four days  to join the KIAI,” Hamsin mentioned.

The programs are expected to create graduates of UMY who are leading in sciences and technology and become responsible people upholding Islamic values.