Networking for Collaboration and Growth

Afif’s organizational journey began with a modest step: becoming a member of the Muhammadiyah Youth Association (IPM) in Grobogan Regency, Central Java. From 2015 to 2016, he served as the treasurer of IPM Grobogan.

During his studies in the Psychology Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), Afif was also active in several student organizations. Among them were the UMS Student Representative Council (DPM), the Al Ghozali Faculty of Psychology Branch Leadership of Muhammadiyah Student Association (IMM), and the IMM UMS Branch Coordinator.

These organizational experiences during college motivated Afif to grow further within a broader arena. After graduating in 2021, he went on to join various youth organizations at city, district, and even provincial levels.

According to Afif, off-campus organizations tend to be more structured, with clearer career pathways and areas of specialization. “These kinds of organizations are usually more career-oriented, including specific fields of interest,” Afif explained when contacted in early September.

One such place for him is the National Youth Committee of Indonesia (KNPI) in Surakarta, where he currently serves as the general treasurer for the 2021–2025 term. Established in 1973 under the guidance of the Golongan Karya (Golkar) party, KNPI is a nationwide youth organization with branches across Indonesia.

Afif views KNPI as a platform that has historically nurtured many public figures. Members, he noted, are challenged to understand local youth culture while also engaging with the evolving profiles and needs of their respective regions.

His decision to join KNPI was not without purpose. Afif represented Muhammadiyah in this youth forum. Beyond gaining broader recognition, his goal is to safeguard Muhammadiyah’s dakwah programs and strengthen its presence in Surakarta.

Through KNPI, Afif has also been able to build wider networks, ranging from entrepreneurs to government officials in Surakarta. He recalled how these connections proved valuable when he was part of the organizing committee for the Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Congress in November 2022.

“Back when we were preparing for the congress, the committee once requested an audience with the Mayor of Surakarta. But there was no reply. Fortunately, since I was in KNPI, communication with the mayor was easier and I was able to help bridge it,” he recalled.

Such communication was crucial because the Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Congress organizers needed access to several facilities owned by the Surakarta City Government, such as Manahan Stadium and other municipal buildings that were used to accommodate the penggembira (supporters and attendees) of the congress.

Coordination with the city government was also important as the event took place during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Afif, the audience was meant to facilitate cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the Covid-19 Task Force. “We needed to make sure the event was safe, as it was expected to draw more than two million people,” he said.

Abdul Afif Amrulloh (third from left) attending a KNPI event in June 2025, which was also attended by the Mayor of Surakarta, Respati Ardi (center). Personal documentation.

After graduating from UMS in 2020, the man born in Grobogan on February 4, 1997, decided to continue his parents’ printing business. The printing company, named Harapan Mulia, initially focused on producing school textbooks.

Afif explained that the business, established in 2001 in the Cemani area of Sukoharjo, Central Java, specialized in printing student worksheets used as supplementary learning materials. Other products included Islamic learning books.

It was not until 2021 that Afif expanded the business by launching a product packaging printing service under the brand HM Pro. “We don’t only serve food packaging. We also provide packaging for products like cajuput oil. So there are several types,” he said.

Several well-known brands from Solo have used HM Pro’s services, including Abata Donuts, Niekmat Rasa catering, Tsabita Bakery, Solo’s Bistro restaurant, and Kusuma Sari eatery.

The printing business has also expanded its market reach across Java. “As for Java, God willing, it’s covered. We have even shipped to Kalimantan,” he added. “Just recently, we printed for Nisvara in Jakarta.”

Afif continues to strive to increase his printing company’s production capacity. At present, his business can print 5,000 packages per hour. The printing machine operates eight hours a day. It is no surprise, then, that the business he manages is capable of generating an annual turnover of IDR 5 billion.

Afif delivering a speech at the Grand Opening of the Masa Taaruf (Introduction Period) of the Muhammadiyah University Student Association welcoming new UMS students in 2019. Personal documentation.

For Afif, education is fundamental in shaping the character and outlook of young people. This conviction led him to join the Majelis Pembinaan Kader dan Sumber Daya Insani (MPKSDI) of the Regency Board of Muhammadiyah(PDM) in Surakarta, Central Java.

Afif was entrusted with the role of secretary of MPKSDI PDM Surakarta. His main responsibility is overseeing cadre education and preparing human resources for the sustainability of Muhammadiyah’s cadre development in Surakarta. One of MPKSDI’s flagship programs is organizing Al-Islam and Muhammadiyah Studies (AIK).

“The AIK program is carried out in collaboration with Universitas Muhammadiyah PKU Surakarta,” Afif explained. It is therefore no surprise that he also serves as an AIK lecturer at UM PKU Surakarta.

Beyond the campus, Afif and the MPKSDI PDM Surakarta team also serve by promoting AIK across various Muhammadiyah charitable enterprises. These include the training of teachers at Muhammadiyah schools in the Greater Solo area, as well as in Muhammadiyah branches, sub-branches, and autonomous organizations in Surakarta.

“So far, participants of MPKSDI’s programs have been teachers and representatives from Muhammadiyah’s various institutions,” he said. Afif hoped that such cadre development will strengthen understanding of Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan across Muhammadiyah networks.

In addition to teaching topics related to AIK, Afif also applies the psychology knowledge he gained during his studies. A graduate of the master’s program in psychology at UMS, he was entrusted with helping to establish the psychology program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Karanganyar (Umuka). He teaches as a psychology lecturer at Umuka and, most recently, was appointed head of the Umuka psychology faculty team.

Writer: Gede Arga Adrian

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva