The party who is responsible in a disaster is the government, because they have the capability, equipment, and funding. “As the one who has responsibility, the government must pay attention to disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other natural disasters,” said the Chairman of Muhammadiyah Central Board, Dahlan Rais, M Hum during the visit from the SAR Mapala Muhammadiyah Indonesia (SARMMI) boards, in UM Surakarta, Thursday (26/01).

Although the government is mainly responsible for disaster management, the government cannot work independently. The communities must participate in disaster management. “If there is a disaster, the community should take a part. Because in our religion, we all should lend a hand,” said Dahlan Rais. Furthermore, Dahlan Rais explained that there were three main points of living in society, namely living in diversity, living in togetherness, and living in care. “We live in diversity because everyone is basically different. One group to another is also different,” he said.

Even though we are different, we still need the help of others and we still need to care about others. We can’t live alone. When we are born we need the help of others. Even after we die, we need to be carried by others. “Because humans basically cannot live independently, we should realize that we, as individuals, must be at least a half for each other. We can’t live only for ourselves and our family,” Dahlan Rais added.

According to Dahlan Rais, volunteers not only put 50 percent of their lives to support other people. It must be more than that. They could put 70 percent and the rest of their lives for humanity and the rest is for their family. Being a volunteer is a very commendable thing due to its highly respected humanity. In Islam, saving a life is a noble value, especially if there are quite a lot of them.

“The disaster volunteers are warriors who strive to help others. It’s good to help people in misery, in extreme difficulties, including helping victims who have died,” said Dahlan Rais. Even though they had a noble intention, volunteers who go to disaster sites must equip themselves with adequate knowledge and skills. Going to the disaster site without having the knowledge is precisely an act that is not commendable. “If the volunteers go to the disaster site without the knowledge and skills, it can be self-harm. So what you will get is not a reward, but it could be the other way around,” he concluded.

Located in the STAI Al Furqan Postgraduate Program, Makassar, the quality assurance team of STKIP Muhammadiyah Barru, which was directly led by the Head of the Quality Assurance Center, Wahyudi Rauf, M.Pd., finished the assistance for preparing documents, Sunday (01/22). It is part of the Study Program Quality Improvement program. STKIP Muhammadiyah Barru, together with four other universities, STIA Abdul Haris, STAI Yapnas Jeneponto, STAI DDI Maros, and STAI Al Furqan, organized a joint activity to fulfil accreditation instruments.

This activity was held with LLDikti IX support as the facilitators. As facilitators, Prof. Dr H. Nasir Hamzah and Ramli, M.Si assisted the team in preparing the forms. Dr Andi Fiptar Alam, the Chairman of STKIP Muhammadiyah Barru, mentioned that the program aimed to strengthen high school institutions towards institutional transformation as it is known that STKIP Muh Barru is currently improving to establish institutional change to become Universitas Muhammadiyah Barru.

Andi Fiptar explained that STKIP Muh Barru had completed the assessment and varied stages. Also, Andi Fiptar described compiling forms as a step to strengthen quality assurance. On the other hand, Ismail Suardi Wekke, Program Director of the Indonesian Universities Consortium on Socio-Religious Studies (IUCSRS), stated that the university network formed in November 2022 collaborated on various concerns, including producing a quality culture.

Furthermore, Ismail argued that there is a demand for recognition at various levels. So Ismail emphasized that it was just an extra from fulfilling quality assurance internally and externally. “As for rankings, it is only an intermediate goal. The end of all this is forming a quality culture in higher education institutions,” said Ismail, the Maros Education Council secretary.

Ismail further stated that the Education Council organized activities to facilitate higher education institutions producing an educational ecosystem. “It is still in the early stages, and further activities are still needed. So they can fulfill all documents for the accreditation agency,” said Ismail.

Brilly Eldon Fachruddin, a student of Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), succeeded in innovating an environmentally friendly energy source. Brilly brought up the idea of an energy-efficient vehicle along with his nine team members by developing a solar powered electric bicycle. “We improve our seniors’ ideas by stabilizing the inputs. If the previous generation has not succeeded in stabilizing the incoming power, thank God our team successfully discovered and solved the problem,” he explained.

The solar electric bicycle will receive energy from the sunlight that enters the panel and goes directly to the battery, then, the engine, and to the controller that will connect the dynamo to the throttle. “From sunlight connected to the controller to stabilize the input current into the battery, while from the battery, it will be channeled to the engine via the controller. This is to connect between the dynamo and the throttle so that the current discharged by the battery can be stable,” Brilly explained.

The trials were deliberately carried out during the night when there was no sunlight or any input current. They use sunlight that has been charged during the previous day. As a result, the bike successfully traveled up to 12 km. The trip consumes three power bars out of the maximum five.

Electricity generated from sunlight not only generates bicycle currents but can also power the headlights of the bike. Apart from that, Brilly and the team also altered the design of the bike by moving the pedals which were originally placed on the rear wheels, changed to the front so that they work properly. Also, the machine is not easily damaged.

The benefit is to reduce the use of motorized vehicles, electricity-saving, and utilization of solar power. In long-term use, the bike is also more efficient, especially for doing short range trips. “I hope that the innovation can be our endeavor in protecting the earth from pollution from motorized vehicles,” he explained. Furthermore, Brilly and his team expected their innovation to be universally used. They planned to develop products so the machine can be applied to various bicycles.

The idea of the electric bike also attracted the Head of the UMM Industrial Engineering Laboratory, Rahmat Wisnu Wardana. “They even did a trial from Sawojajar to Campus III without UMM. That’s interesting. Moreover, in general, electric bikes can be operated by using a charge that connects to electricity, while this one uses solar power,” he concluded.

The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) organized the fourth Muhammadiyah Day (HBM) since last Saturday (21/1). The program aimed to strengthen financial security of the community from FEB UMJ. FEB collaborated with approximately 100 MSMEs in South Tangerang. In the program, there were also food shopping vouchers worth IDR 40,000.00.

On this occasion, several parties presented, including UMJ leaders and academic civitas; the representative of Pakistan Embassy in Indonesia; Vice-Chairman of the House of Representative (DPR-RI), Rachmad Gobel; President Director of PT KAI Logistik, TLN Ahmad Malik Syah; and Deputy Director of Bank Indonesia, Rita Nawangsari. Also attended at At-Takwa UMJ Mosque., the General Secretary of PP Muhammadiyah, Prof. Dr. KH Abdul Mu’ti MEd.

In the program, UMJ also signed MoUs for collaboration with several companies, including Takaful Insurance and KAI Logistics. Ihrom Bayu Aji ST AAIK Dipl Insurance AIIS CRMP QIP, the President Director of Takaful Umum (General Insurance), mentioned that the MoU could be an opportunity for UMJ students to experience internship program. “At the same time, it can help UMJ protect assets from the risks that may arise,” he said.

Furthermore, the Chancellor of UMJ, Ma’mun Murod, said in his remarks that each faculty will have challenges in the following HBM after the latest program. “It becomes a challenge for the other UMJ faculties that will host the HBM. We can’t wait what the concepts will be, later. Their alumni could also present for the success of the event,” he said. Because, Rita Nawangsari, one of the invited guest, is an alumni of FEB UMJ.

Afterwards, Rita explained that the alumni of economics and business should participate in empowering people. “We can improve people’s capacity and provide great benefits to the community,” she said.

Thai Students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sukabumi (UMMI) followed an Industry Visit at PT.SCG (a cement industry) for introduction to Thai companies in Sukabumi. The activity involved 12 Thai students who were studying at UM Sukabumi, accompanied by the UMMI International Relations and Cooperation Institute (LKHI) and the Royal Thai Embassy on January 9, 2023.

The activity was organized as planned. Lutfee, one of the Thai students, said that he was grateful to be able to participate in the activity, he also learned many new things from the visit.

“In this visit, I was able to learn about the work of various departments at the SCG factory and get acquainted with the annual production at this factory,” said Lutfee. Hathaichanok Riddhagni, a representative of the Thai Embassy, prompted Thai students to finish their studies as soon as possible, advised about career development to prepare themselves to be professional staff when they return to Thailand.

On the other hand, Dr. Saprudin, S.S., M.Hum., the Chairman of LKHI UMMI, emphasized that the visit became one of collaborative programs between UMMI and PT. SCG. Dr. Saprudin also hoped that the activity could increase the number of students from Thailand studying at UMMI and the opportunity for UM Sukabumi students to have an internship program in PT. SCG.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), again, develops an interesting innovation. On Wednesday (18/01), UMY officially sent 2,663 students to carry out the Community Service Program (KKN) with various schemes, namely Regular KKN and Cianjur Recovery KKN. Also, UMY sent students to carry out KKN plus Umrah in Jeddah and Mecca. This KKN plus aims to support the education of the Indonesian children who migrated there.

The President of the Muhammadiyah Central Board, Prof. Haedar Nashir, in his remarks also advised that KKN participants could develop great dedication and knowledge in solving existed problems in society. Every student needs to adapt and learn to understand other people’s lives because knowledge and theory in classes certainly will not be enough. “Students who conducted KKN need to understand the community and the realities of life. Of course, knowledge (from classes) is not enough if it is only understood as science. But that knowledge must be able to be implemented in reality and solve human problems. Because solving problems based on knowledge will be different from solving problems with instinct,” the UMY Professor of Sociology emphasized.

Prof. Haedar also advised students to understand society by living together collectively. Because the diversity that exists in society can be strengths and unifying figures for people’s lives. “So your presence wherever you are should be a strength and a unifier, don’t let your presence in different communities cause problems. Adapt to live with the community, explore the traditions, habits and conditions of the local community, as well as learn to be wise in other people’s lives,” Haedar hoped, as reported at the UMY website.

Agung Danarto also encouraged the students to conduct surveys and observe potential developments at their respective locations. It can provide support and inputs to the local government regarding the development of their villages. Especially nowadays, Indonesia’s development paradigm has shifted from urban areas to being intensified in rural areas. “So it can be a good movement for students in supporting the development of both infrastructure and facilities for community development,” he concluded.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Kudus (UMKU) held UMKU Student Sports and Arts Week (PORSEMA) event from Tuesday (10/1) to Thursday (13/1). The event was initiated by the Student Executive Board (BEM) ‘Collaborative Cabinet’. It became their first festive competition in the post Covid-19 pandemic. Through PORSEMA, BEM UMKU successfully gathered a lot of students from various study programs. The students from different study programs compete in the implementation of fastabiqul khoirot (to compete in goodness).

The enthusiasm of all students was demonstrated  in every match. During the UMKU Student Sports and Arts Week (PORSEMA), each student prioritized a spirit of togetherness and collaboration between faculties and study programs.

This annual event held for three days, 10-13 January produced great outputs. It could produce ukhuwah ‘brotherness’ between students, the spirit of competition, and the spirit to pursue achievements. It was reflected on a sportive competition by promoting the spirit of togetherness and collaboration between faculties and study programs.

Interestingly, the record from the field (futsal competition) in this Porsema resulted in the first year students of Faculty of Nursing as the 1st winner. They beat students from the Faculty of Engineering who won in 2nd place, while the 4th year student from Faculty of Nursing level 4 won the third place.

From the badminton court, the 1st winner was Muhammad Hary Thomas, the second year of the Faculty of Engineering; he beat the 2nd winner, Fajri Muhammad Adzim from the PGSD Faculty and 3rd place winner, Asep Siswanto who was also from the PGSD Faculty. Besides Futsal and Badminton, the students also competed in storytelling, volleyball, debate, and qiroah (reciting Qur’an) competitions.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) held a Product Development Exhibition 2023 on Wednesday (18/1). This program was a follow-up to the Product Development Design (PPP) Course. The background of this program was to respond to the challenges of the 5.0 Era from industrial developments, especially digital technology. The Head of the UMM Industrial Engineering Study Program, Shanty Kusuma Dewi MT mentioned that the program aimed to grow the development of creative products.

Shanty also explained that the students produced tools, and applications, which have the potential for commercialization and patents. The Organizing Committee, Taufik Prihandoko SST explained that each tool has the potential to be followed up for Student Creativity Program or Thesis. “I see a lot of potential products. I hope there will be several tools that can pass the National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS) this year,” he said.

One interesting tool was the Rain-Proof Clothesline by Maulana and Izzatul. Both are seventh-semester industrial engineering students. The tool can help when drying clothes. When it’s hot, it automatically widens the range so clothes can get light. Conversely, when it rains, the tool can move to the roof and make the clothesline safe from the rain.

“So we have a sensor attached. The sensor is sensitive to water, so when it rains it will detect and protect clothes from getting wet. The tool is also equipped with wheels so that it will be easier to move,” said Maulana.

Regarding the exhibition, he felt very proud that his creations were visited and appreciated. According to him, young people must be creative and innovative so that they can come up with useful inventions. “In the future, we will certainly develop it. For example by adding the Bluetooth feature or manually moving it via a smartphone even though the person is not at home,” he concluded.

The Human Resources Bureau (BSDM) of Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) held a 3-day consolidation from Friday (13/1) to Sunday (15/1). Thirty-three participants including the Vice Dean for Human Resources, Finance, Property and General Administration; Head of Faculty Office; and the Faculty HR Development Team or the Faculty Quality Assurance Team participated in the activity.

The consolidation aimed to strengthen relationships between the work units related to HR management in UAD. In his remarks, the Head of BSDM UAD, Dr. Hendro Widodo MPd mentioned the urgency to organize this agenda. He said that it is important due to a structural change that places HR into a specific board independently. “The organizational structure needs consolidation to have a common vision, mission, goals, as well as synergy and collaboration in the HR program at UAD,” he added.

Similar with Dr Hendro, Dr. Norma Sari MHum, the Vice Chancellor for Human Resource UAD emphasized the consolidation aimed to create a conducive ecosystem to produce productive and progressive employees in UAD. “It is essential to understand the internal and external regulations, main tasks, duties and functions of the HR. We also discuss cooperation in various action programs that need to be properly consolidated,” she explained.

The consolidation included various materials from strengthening the structure, applicable program, career acceleration, employee education and training, information systems, to employee performance evaluation. It also invited experts, such as UAD Chancellor Dr. Muchlas, M.T., the Daily Advisory Board (BPH) Prof. Dr. Marsudi Triatmodjo, S.H., LL.M., and many more.

To implement the Four Values (Catur Dharma) of Muhammadiyah Higher Education, STIKes Muhammadiyah Tegal agreed to cooperate with the Ahmad Dahlan Islamic boarding school, Tegal on Monday (17/01). Hendra Apriyadi as Vice Chairman 1 accompanied by Riza A Novanto as chairman of the Quality Assurance Unit of STIKes Muh Tegal and In Amulloh Fathuri as Director of the Ahmad Dahlan Islamic Boarding School, Tegal Regency signed the agreement paper.

On this occasion, Hendra Apriyadi expressed his gratitude for the collaboration of fellow Muhammadiyah Educational Service Institutions, in collaboration for Islamic and Muhammadiyah Education, Community Service, Socialization of the New Student Admission Program (PMB) and providing scholarships to cadres,” he said.

On the other hand, In Amulloh Fathuri, the Director of the Islamic Boarding School responded positively to the collaboration program with the Pharmacy Study Program of STIKes Muh Tegal. According to him, cooperation can synergize and collaborate various programs between two institutions.

One of the programs that will be carried out is the socialization of new student admissions for STIKes Muh Tegal at the boarding school by strengthening each institution. The collaboration between the Ahmad Dahlan Islamic boarding school in Tegal and STIKes Muhammadiyah Tegal was hoped to bring many benefits to both parties.