Leadership Changes and Inter-Leader Relationships in Muhammadiyah

Abstract This article examines the routinization processes within Muhammadiyah by analysing transformations in its leadership composition and the evolving dynamics of leader interactions. Specifically, this article explores how the historical dominance of Kauman-born leaders has declined since the 1950s, alongside the diversification of Muhammadiyah’s leadership. By assessing internal efforts to mitigate factionalism centred around influential figures and to prevent patron–client relationships, this study highlights how seniority-based personal relationships have been supplanted by formalized interactions. This article argues that Muhammadiyah’s commitment to formalized governance, reinforced by the increasing dominance of Muslim intellectuals in its leadership, has been instrumental in accelerating the process of routinization. These developments have strengthened the institutionalization of positional authority and organizational management, marking a decisive shift away from the traditional reliance on informal relationships and hierarchical seniority.