Faith-driven leaders in a non-theocratic country: internalizing Muhammadiyah values in local governance

Muhammadiyah is the second largest Islamic organisation in Indonesia and considered one of the wealthiest religious organisations in the world. This study aims to explore how Islamic values rooted in Muhammadiyah’s civic-religious tradition are personally internalised and applied by public leaders in Indonesia, a non-theocratic country. Using in-depth interviews and a value-action framework, we examine the leadership experiences of two former regents (county heads) – Suyoto (Regent of Bojonegoro, 2008–2018) and Hasto Wardoyo (Regent of Kulon Progo, 2011–2019) – who exemplify faith-based yet non-theocratic governance. Both leaders draw from Muhammadiyah values such as tawhid (oneness of God), amanah (trust), social justice, shaped through early life experiences, formal and informal religious education, and sociopolitical activism. These internalised convictions found expression in inclusive policies, participatory governance, anti-corruption reforms, and sustainable development strategies. The article contributes to Islamic public administration studies by showing how internalised values can ethically shape governance in inclusive and democratic ways.