Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (CHERD) continually try to elevate the leadership of Muhammadiyah – ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs). It was comprehended as leadership became a fundamental key for the MHEIs’ progress. “Therefore, leadership should be created and designed by MHEIs as Muhammadiyah Foundation pillars”. That was a statement from Muhammad Sayuti, the Secretary of CHERD, when he opened the Leadership Dialogue of Higher Education Institutions #2 themed “To Create Innovation and Creativity into Reality”, Thursday (09/12). In addition, Prof Dr Bambang Setiaji, the Rector of UM Kalimantan Timur and Dr. Rustamadji, MSi, the Rector of UNIMUDA Sorong was presented as the resource persons.
MHEI leaders were encouraged to continually learn to lead effectively, progressively, and based on Islamic values. The effective leader would create innovation and creativity to strengthen and accelerate the MHEI development. Prof Bambang highlighted that MHEI leaders should endeavour a 50% doctoral degree as a preeminent requirement of higher education. “In my experience, I sent our lecturers to study doctoral programs; as a result, our human resources can develop their knowledge,” the former Rector of UM Surakarta said. The other crucial steps focused on publishing journals, advancement of IT utilization, supporting institutes and business units establishment, student achievement, and many other innovations.
“If the leaders want to create a progression, they should meet three standards including to move together, to disseminate the good deeds, and to prevent the wrong,” Dr Rustamadji said. He highlighted for the MHEI leaders to avoid complaining while leading during the Covid-19 pandemic. This situation could be beneficial for MHEIs to manage the challenges with positive energy. “The rapid decision making, the confident, serious, extraordinary, and extreme behaviour should be developed for MHEI leaders,” the Rector from Papua emphasized. The leaders should also collaborate with the local governments to provide the best services to the visitors in the higher education institutions.
