UMPO with LHKP East Java Partner to Train Muhammadiyah Digital Influencers

UMPO.AC.ID - Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo (UMPO) served as a vital training center for Muhammadiyah's digital activists. The Muhammadiyah Influencer Training held by the Lembaga Hikmah dan Kebijakan Publik (LHKP)—The Institute for Wisdom and Public Policy of the Pimpinan Wilayah Muhammadiyah (PWM) East Java—was organized with the aim of strengthening Islamic propagation (syiar Islam) through social media platforms.

The event was attended by various leaders and digital activists. UMPO Vice-Rector III, Dr. Sugeng Wibowo, M.H., asserted in his speech that activities in the digital sphere are an integral part of contemporary da'wah (Islamic preaching). Dr. Sugeng Wibowo explicitly motivated the participants, stating:

"One of them is related to the importance of this influencer role. When we convey it to our team, we say that working on social media is part of carrying out the Sunnah of the Prophet."

He continued by emphasizing the importance for cadres not to hesitate to enter the digital realm. "This motivates us that it is very important for us to enter the world of social media, to enter the world of influencers, because of our da'wah interest," he stressed.

In line with this spirit, the Chairman of LHKP PWM East Java, Muhammad Mirdasy, S.I.P., highlighted the necessity of intense digital da'wah. He encouraged participants to immediately practice what they learned.

"Starting from this opening, this is the beginning of what is called the intensity of Muhammadiyah's da'wah," Mirdasy said.

He urged the participants to create content right after the training, even if only simple posts. "I would be very regretful if, after returning from here, there is nothing left saying, 'Hey guys, I am currently at UMPO, this is a very beautiful and excellent campus'."

Mirdasy also quoted a classic saying as a foundation for action:

"We have long been taught by Ali bin Abi Talib that unorganized truth will be easily defeated by organized falsehood."

He concluded with optimism that Ponorogo, known for the Reog dance, is now also the birthplace of selected Muhammadiyah influencers. The training is expected to produce cadres who are capable of spreading peaceful and enlightening Islamic messages, utilizing the power of social media as an effective da'wah tool.

Ajeng Laksmita/Humas UMPO