Population ageing and its impacts on the recent Muhammadiyah Movement

In the beginning of the millennium, Indonesia had entered the second demographic transition when the fertility rate is at the first time below replacement level (Ananta, 2006). The situation undoubtedly will have a profound effect on the future of Islamic organisation in promoting Islam and developing civil society. It must be noted that the role of Islamic organisation is very important within Indonesian societies both on performing Islamic beliefs and practices and developing the democratic and civil society.

The effects of population ageing are around the actors involved in the organisation, the programme initiated and its personal and organizational relation with the younger generation who is expected to pursue the movement in the future.

To some extent, it also relates to the Indonesian culture and custom which supposed to show highest respect to the elders and even prioritise them at every moment and occasion. The increase of large number of aged people will re-shape and re-design Islamic organisations particularly their response to the contemporary social and political condition in the country.