Today's History: Islamic Student Association (HMI) Born February 5, 1947, Aspires To Be A Funnel Of Struggle

Islamic Student Association Logo. (Doc. HMI)

JAKARTA - Today 75 years ago, or February 5, 1947, to be precise, the Islamic Student Association (HMI) was born in Yogyakarta. Lafran Fane became one of the figures who moved to create HMI. He wanted HMI to become the main mouthpiece of struggling Islamic students.

All for the sake of reaching the dream of being an educated Muslim-nationalist. Therefore, HMI can be present to guard independence and answer the challenges of the times. ideals are not grandiose. HMI is also considered the pioneer of an organization that accommodates Islamic students.

The proclamation of independence is the moment all Indonesians have been waiting for. Independence from the shackles of colonialism is the main focus. However, independence was considered lonely by the Dutch. The Netherlands actually considered the proclamation as the right moment to dominate Indonesia for the second time.

In order to control the archipelago, the Dutch lowered their full power. They lowered the troops in large numbers. The goal is to perpetrate terror. More so to be able to repulse the freedom fighters.

The attitude of the Netherlands also sparked resistance. Mainly from young people. They did not want the Indonesians to be turned into "cash cows" by the Dutch. Youth and student organizations have sprung up. Indonesian Student Association, one of them. This organization was born on the initiative of 15 students of the Islamic College (now: the Indonesian Islamic University) in Yogyakarta in 1947.

Launching the HMI page (https://komsas-malang.hmi.or.id/read/1374/kehmian/sejarah-berdirinya-hmi-himpunan-mahasiswa-islam-pertama-kali-di-indonesia.html), one of the originators is Lefran Pane. For him, the real meaning of independence is being proud of the teachings of Islam. he wanted HMI to be the mouthpiece of the struggle. Which, the struggle is to spread Islamic values. Moreover, Islam is a religion that can adapt to the times.

It is this natural thought that can liberate Muslim intellectuals to spawn innovations in all fields. Then, HMI's consistent attitude in creating Muslim intellectuals made many national political figures born from its womb.

“HMI was present, one of which was in an effort to answer the reality of the early Muslim community for independence, where many students who adhered to Islam were ashamed to admit openly that they were Muslim. He considered Islam was inferior. On the other hand, Westerners and Christians are much higher in rank. This happened - according to Lafran Pane - because Islam has not been studied in depth."

"In fact, according to the Koran and investigations, what is conservative is not Islam, but its adherents. The essence of Islam cannot be applied in everyday life. Islam can fulfill various human needs at all times and places, meaning that it is able to adapt to the conditions and needs of people everywhere," concluded MHD Zakiul Fikri in the book Di Bawah Naungan Khittah Perjuangan HMI (2018).

*Read other information about HISTORY or read other interesting articles from Detha Arya Tifada.