Muhammadiyah as an Agent of Social Engineering in Perspective of Development Law Theory

Abstract

The existence of Muhammadiyah as Indonesia’s largest socio-religious organization has evolved from a religious purification movement into a comprehensive legal reform force that aligns with national development. This study aims to analyzes Muhammadiyah’s role through the lens of Mochtar Kusumaatmadja’s Theory of Developmental Law, which positions law as a "tool of social engineering" to steer societal change toward modernization. Using a normative-empirical legal research method with a qualitative approach, this study examines how Muhammadiyah bridges the gap between formal regulations (law in books) and social reality (law in action). The analysis focuses on three primary pillars: Social Engineering: Through the Majelis Tarjih dan Tajdid, Muhammadiyah transforms traditional mindsets into modern, rational, and law-conscious behavior by issuing responsive fatwas that regulate social interactions (muamalah). Legal Culture: In accordance with Lawrence M. Friedman’s theory, Muhammadiyah internalizes values of discipline, integrity, and legal literacy through its vast network of thousands of educational and health institutions (AUM). Welfare State & Constitutional Jihad: The organization acts as a strategic partner to the state by providing inclusive public services and conducting "Constitutional Jihad" through judicial reviews to ensure national laws remain aligned with public interest and social justice. The study concludes that Muhammadiyah's concept of Darul Ahdi wa Syahadah provides a theological and ethical foundation for viewing the state as a field of service. This synergy between socio-religious movements and developmental law creates a sustainable model for inclusive national legal development in Indonesia.