“We intend to build and bring an excellent campus and educational institution in Pacitan called the 1001 caves”. That was a statement from Dr. Ahmadi, the Rector of the Institute for Islamic Studies Muhammadiyah (ISIMU) in the groundbreaking procession of the ISIMU Pacitan campus, in Sedeng, Saturday (28/05).
The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (Menko PMK), Muhadjir Effendy, attended and appreciated the establishment of ISIMU Pacitan as the first Muhammadiyah higher education in Pacitan. Menko PMK also expected that the establishment would have a good influence on the Pacitan people and the region. “When the establishment has a positive impact, it is not only ISIMU and Muhammadiyah’s pride, but also becomes Pacitan’s achievement,” he said.
In his remarks, Dr. Ahmadi mentioned that the ISIMU establishment could impact educational development in Pacitan. Furthermore, he also mentioned all Muhammadiyah members have a sense of belonging to the Muhammadiyah campus in Indonesia. “Muhammadiyah Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs) in Indonesia that is more than 100 institutions can develop due to the sense of belonging from Muhammadiyah members,” he said.
The main campus would be established in a 1,5-hectare land located in Sedeng hillside above 20 masl. The disaster mitigation aspect becomes one of the reasons to select the location. The majority of the southern part of Pacitan is prone to natural disasters – earthquakes and tsunamis. Due to the disaster-prone area, Prof Muhadjir asked to design by determining the construction standard and disaster risk in the construction site.
ISIMU Pacitan was established on March 11st, 1989, and currently has three faculties and six study programs. The Faculty of Tarbiyah (Islamic Studies) has Islamic Education (PAI), Arabic Language Studies (PBA), Elementary School Teacher Education (PGMI-SD), and Early Childhood Education (PIAUD/PGRA).
Meanwhile, two faculties were Islamic Finance Faculty which organized Sharia Economics, and Islamic Preaching and Communication Faculty which managed the Islamic Community Development department or Social Welfare department. [] ISIMU / CHERD
