The team that consisted of the lecturers and students from The Institute of Islamic Studies Muhammadiyah (IAIM) Sinjai conducted community service at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) 2 Sinjai Timur, Thursday (23/12). The team was from the Mathematics department, Education and Teacher Training Faculty (FTIK). The community service program (PkM) was conducted in a workshop on creating learning media.

Community service is one of the four core values (catur dharma) in Muhammadiyah ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs). It is the responsibility of MHEIs, including IAIM Sinjai, to implement each value. On PkM, the learning media that was currently presented was Quizalize and Wordwall. All participants from the workshop were teachers in MAN 2 Sinjai Timur.

Quizalize is an online platform for class assignments and assessments. The platform can be accessed on a computer, tablet, or handphone. The teacher created a quiz to practice students’ competency in the class. Then, the teacher can see the result on the Teacher’s Dashboard through the report.

On the other hand, Wordwall is a website app to create learning media, such as quizzes, matching quizzes, anagrams, and many others. Besides can access various media online, it also can be downloaded and printed on paper. This app also provides 18 free templates for users that can be customized according to specific activities. The teacher can create their own content as an assignment.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang (Unimma) won three accomplishments on Monday-Tuesday (19-20/12). This achievement Unima received in the National Gathering (SILAT) of the Association of Communication Science Department in Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (APIK PTMA). Unimma sent their delegation that consisted of three students and one lecturer from the Communication Science department. Located in Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo (Umsida), they competed to bag the prize.

There were five categories of competition, consisting of Tik Tok Competition, Digital Journalism, News Anchor, Photography Competition, and Public Relations. From five categories, Unimma won second place in the Photography Competition with Muhammad Yoga Pratama as the delegation, the first favourite place achieved by Vina Rizky Nahari, and the second favourite place achieved by Fauzy Pratama Putra.

In an interview, Yoga expressed his gratitude to achieve second place in the international scale competition. “I have a lot of experience and networking from various delegations who have a great passion for photography and videography,” he said. This achievement also became the first international achievement for the Communication department of Unimma. 

2022 SILAT APIK also consisted of several series of activities, including the international seminar of “The Challenges of Digital Communication in The New Normal Era”, and Youth Communication Day conferences and workshops. Also attending as a speaker, Prof. Widodo Muktiyo from the Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research and Development (Diktilitbang) attended in Umsida. Besides Prof. Wid, Novi Kurnia, and Universitas Gadjah Mada lecturer, Sonny B. Harmadi was the Covid-19 Task Force for Behavior Change, and Fajar Junaedi, the Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta lecturer also attended to be the speaker.

The Association of Communication Science Department in Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (APIK PTMA) held a National Gathering (Silat) of APIK PTMA held in Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo (Umsida), Monday-Tuesday (19-20/12). By raising the theme “The Challenges of Digital Communication in The New Normal Era”, the gathering also consisted of several series of activities including international seminars, conferences and workshops. Muhammad Himawan Sutanto, the Chairman of APIK PTMA, mentioned that the program consisted real and implemented methods to overcome various problems in communication. As planned, the program should be conducted twice a year, but the first gathering was cancelled due to the pandemic. “Even though the schedule has changed from the plan, the aim of the program continues to be realised as a large number of contestants and international conference speakers,” he added.

Also attending as a speaker, Prof. Widodo Muktiyo as the Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research and Development attended in Umsida. Besides Prof. Wid, Novi Kurnia, an Universitas Gadjah Mada lecturer, Sonny B. Harmadi was the Covid-19 Task Force for Behavior Change, and Fajar Junaedi, the Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta lecturer also presented their materials at the seminar.  It was attended by 250 Communication Studies students from various Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions, as well as several overseas campuses from India and China. The program also received appreciation from Prof. Ahmad Jainuri, the Member of the Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education and Dr Hidayatullah, the Chancellor of Umsida. “We hope that this program can produce a formulation of action plans that can be implemented in the incoming APIK program,” he explained.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Maluku Utara (UMMU), under the assistance of Universitas Airlangga that collaborated with the Ministry of Health, attended in the signing of commitment to collaboration in healthy campus development at Artotel Suites, Mangkuluhur, Jakarta in Gatot Subroto, Semanggi, Wednesday (21/12).

On this occasion, the Rector of UMMU, Prof Saiful Deni accompanied by the Head of Collaboration and Public Relations Bureau, Faujia Umasugi represented UMMU in the signing procession of the Ministry of Health program with a strong commitment to design healthy campus. This two-day activity (20-21/22) was opened with the 2022-2023 Community Empowerment Activity Plan on Campus and remarks by the UI Chancellor represented by drg. Nurtami, Ph.D., Sp,OF(K), the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation by emphasizing the role of campuses to create healthy campuses.

“The up-to-date data of students’ health conditions is causing concern. Many of them are obese and have early smoking initiation. As recorded, many students on campus are active smokers. Therefore, the development of a healthy campus can be carried out by building sports halls, developing a green campus, and the development of mental health in the campus”, she said.

drg. Nurtami’s statement was also emphasized by Prof. Dra. Yayi Suryo Prabandari, M.Si., Ph.D, the Chairwoman of Health Promoting University Network Indonesia, who highlighted the dangers of stunting. Afterwards, it was continued with the signing procession of a commitment to collaboration with each representative university.

In 2022, the Ministry of Health along with the support of six universities, namely the University Sumatra Utara, University Indonesia, Institut Pertanian Bogor, Universitas Gajah Mada, Universitas Airlangga, and Universitas Lambung Mangkurat and 20 assisted universities, one of which is UMMU, develop this healthy campus program. From several universities in North Maluku, UMMU is the only representative in this program. UMMU will share the best practice for other North Maluku campuses, with the assistance of Universitas Airlangga.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Riau (Umri) agreed on academic cooperation with Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA). This collaboration was started by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the Chancellor of UMRI and Chancellor of UNISSA in Brunei Darussalam, Monday (12/12/2022).

In his remarks, Umri Chancellor, Dr Saidul Amin MA mentioned that collaboration between two universities is essential. “This collaboration is a concrete measure for UMRI based on our target to collaborate with Southeast Asia universities in 2022. It is a great opportunity for Umri students and lecturers to have several joint programs, especially with UNISSA,” he said.

Furthermore, the Chancellor conveyed several collaborative programs that could be carried out soon, such as further postgraduate studies for Umri lecturers majoring in Islamic Finance, a speciality at UNISSA. The other important programs include guest lecturers, joint research and international student study service (KKN).

On the other hand, the Chancellor of UNISSA, Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal positively welcomed UMRI attendances and stated that the signing procession of the collaboration was the first step for long-term collaboration. “I asked the related Vice Chancellor to immediately discuss the details of the cooperation that can be carried out in the near future,” he concluded.

In addition, the Chancellor of UNISSA said that UNISSA is the second oldest university to be established in Brunei Darussalam. There are 7 Faculties at UNISSA, including the Faculty of Usuluddin, Shariah and Law, Sharia; Economics and Finance, and so on. Since its establishment in 2007, UNISSA has had 16 Bachelor Study Programs, 6 Masters Programs, and 14 Doctoral Programs.

Also attending the meeting, Vice Rector III Umri, Dr Jufrizal Syahri MSi delivered his presentation, Dr. Jufizal Syahri MSi expressed his hope that the collaboration, which will last for the next 5 years, can produce beneficial programs for both parties.

“According to the government program, UM Riau provides an opportunity to study at an overseas partner university for 3 semesters in the student mobility awards for students. Student Study Service (KKN) and matching grants for joint research become a priority of this collaboration,” he emphasized. [] UMRI

Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) was once again appointed to host Muhammadiyah Scholarship Preparation Program (MSPP) Batch V from Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (CHERD). The 3-month program, MSPP, was located at the Islamic International Boarding School (Pesma Internasional) KH. Mas Mansur UMS. It is a program for Muhammadiyah cadres/activists and lecturers of Muhamamdiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (MHEI) to prepare for their studies at the master or doctoral level abroad.

The Director of Pesma Internasional KH. Mas Mansur, Muamaroh, P.hD said that this program aims to improve the English proficiency and scholarship preparation of Muhammadiyah’s progressive cadres. “Then, we hope that they will be able to access Masters/Doctoral scholarships overseas, either through the Indonesian government or other scholarship providers,” said the Director of Pesma on Saturday (10/12).

According to her, MSPP Batch V was special because it was only held in one place, namely Pesma UMS while previously, it was held in two different places. “During this period, only one batch was opened. It is the beginning of studying together, and next week, we will take a campus tour, especially to get to know the UMS campus better,” she added.

In her remarks, Muamaroh asked Vice Chancellor IV and V to share lessons to welcome the participants of MSPP Batch V. “ Prof. Em. Sutrisna can provide more guidance to the development of Islamic and Muhammadiyah Studies (AIK), especially in the commitment to improve the organization, while Prof. Supriyono can provide an introduction of the program so it can produce various collaborations or products that might be useful,” she explained.

Prof. Em. Sutrisna, M.Kes as Vice Chancellor IV welcomed 25 participants who were selected from hundreds of applicants for MSPP Batch V. “To emphasize the AIK, it will be a tahsin program, the program will be in 3 months. The program will improve the participants’ ability and hopefully, these 25 people will achieve what they want,” he said.

On the same occasion, Vice Chancellor V for Cooperation and International Affairs, Prof. Supriyono, S.T., MT, PhD mentioned this program to accommodate the needs of lecturers or students in pursuing higher education overseas. “Currently, the scholarships are limited. Once, being a lecturer requires a master’s degree. But the condition is different from now, most of the qualifications are doctoral degrees. So the competition is getting tighter, “he said.

According to him, it was caused by a stringent requirement, because studying abroad must meet the required qualifications. Later, it is hoped that there will be a scholarship interview simulation due to its essential indicator in scholarship. [] UMS

The innovation of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo (UMSIDA) students achieved international recognition at the 2022 World Robotic for Peace Competition which was held in the neighboring country, last November. The innovative work of Yoga Eko Prasetyo and Bagas Dewantara, named Robot Sumo, won 1st place and defeated several foreign participants such as Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and other countries of 150 participants. Yoga and Bagas said that the work they made was a sumo robot that had been upgraded from the previous version. “This version is a better version than the one we brought to compete in Bekasi. As a result, the new sumo robot is more aggressive and strong against opposing robots,” he explained.

Yoga and Bagas also went through a long process and stages when developing the sumo robot innovation. The preparations include designing hardware and software. For the hardware, it includes making robot bodies and making PCBs, and for software, it includes robot programming and smartphone programming to control the robot’s movement. “We did this (preparation) for a month,” he added.

Previously, the Sumo Robot had also won various achievements including 2nd place in the 2022 national robot sumo competition at Unisma Bekasi, and as a runner-up in 2020 inotek, East Java. They also hope that they have continuous innovation to produce other achievements. “To motivate, in the future, we must try as hard as possible and continue to pray because no matter how great we are, we will be nothing if we do not involve Allah in all our activities, and do not get complacent in all achievements because the future will be more difficult,” he added.

Yoga added that the funds from prizes and appreciation from campus will later be included in the robot treasury. It will later be reused for research purposes for robots that have not yet been developed. “Also, if we win like this, we share (the prize) with the charity and celebrate in the electrical engineering study program, especially for colleagues in the robotics club,” he concluded.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Maluku Utara (UMMU) is a new hope for education in North Maluku and the nearby islands. The rapid development of UMMU should be continued and elevated. That was a statement from Prof. Haedar Nashir when attending the 25th commencement which was held by UMMU at the Haji Abdullah Tjan Hoatseng Auditorium, Monday (12/12). The Graduation was also held with the inauguration of the Haj Abdullah Tjan Hoatseng Auditorium. The establishment of the new building also received appreciation from Prof Haedar. “We highly appreciate and congratulate the establishment of this magnificent building, and of course, UMMU has undergone an arduous and long struggle,” he explained.

Haedar also reminded UMMU graduates that graduation is not the end of education but the beginning of a journey to practice knowledge. So that after graduating from UMMU, the graduates won’t only get a title, but more than that by becoming intellectual thinkers or ulul albab. “Becoming a scholar who contributes to society, nations and universal humanity in the mission of Wama arsalnaka illa rahmatan lil alamin (a mercy to the worlds),” said Haedar.

The graduates also need to continue improving their knowledge as the integrity of the alumni. He also advised the alumni to maintain the good name of UMMU in particular and the good name of Muhammadiyah as the largest Islamic organization, which not only plays a role in Indonesia but also in the world. “Let’s carry out a role where Muhammadiyah is not only present for Muhammadiyah members, but also society, nation and global interests without discrimination of religion, ethnicity, race, class or even political orientation. From Muhammadiyah to all (communities),” concluded Haedar Nashir.

Becoming a student and practicing to sharpen her skills as an athlete is not easy for Marina. The student from Jeruk Village, Central Bangka, has indeed been pursuing running sports since high school (SMA). Therefore, when she was a student at the Physical Education, Sport, Health and Recreation (PJKR) Study Program, Universitas Muhammadiyah Bangka Belitung (Unmuh Babel), Marina also won achievements in various championships at the national level. One of them was the achievement of bringing home two silver medals at the 17th National Student Sports Week (POMNAS) 2022 in Padang, West Sumatra. Two medals were brought home in the women’s 1,500-meter and 5,000-meter running categories.

Marina went through many challenges when she was involved in long-distance running. She also received this challenge from her mother, who did not provide her full support when she decided to be a long-distance runner. However, it did not reduce Marina’s motivation to be an athlete. Currently, Marina is an outstanding athlete in Bangka Belitung and the Unmuh Babel. Even though she is a non-Muslim student, Marina admitted that she never experienced religious discrimination at Unmuh Babel. “I have a supportive campus, supportive environment, and friends in studying and can continue to create a positive contribution in education,” she explained.

After winning two silver medals at POMNAS, Marina also won 2nd place in the 21 KM Belitung Trial Run. Dr Pratiwi Amelia also appreciated this achievement. “Marina’s achievements are one of Unmuh Babel’s commitments to producing athletes who excel in their fields. Congratulations to Marina and continue to make achievements in the future,” she concluded.

Six lecturers of the Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto (UMP) had the opportunity to take part in overseas training programs in America, England and Germany. These six lecturers successfully received scholarships in the “2022 Internship Program for Strengthening the Governance of Higher Education Institutions with Global Reputation Through Competency, Professional and Internship Certification in 2022 (Sertikom)” program organized by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

The six lecturers consist of the Dean of Health Sciences Faculty, Dr Umi Solikhah who will experience an internship in Leadership and Governance of an Excellent Higher Education at Strathclyde University, United Kingdom. Three other lecturers namely, dr. Arum Astika Sari, Kurniawan and Rully Annisa, will experience Herbal Medicine training at the University of Rhode Island, the United States. Meanwhile, Kurnia Dhanti and Susana Widyaningsih will go through apprenticeship and training in excellent learning techniques in vocational education (Vocational Pedagogical Training) at the TU Dresden Institute, Germany.

Dr Jebul Suroso appreciated the achievements of his lecturers. “They will become the ambassadors to introduce UMP to the world and international education,” he explained. They will get training from three different schemes that are very important to support the acceleration of the UMP’s intention to be an Excellent University with a Global Reputation. He also mentioned that besides six lecturers, there will be 10 other lecturers who also received Sertikom scholarships for the domestic scheme. So UMP has 16 lecturers who passed the scholarship.

The Expert Team of the Directorate General of Vocational Education, Ministry of Education and Culture, Dr Yektiningtyastuti said the lecturers who were selected to get the scholarships had gone through a rigorous selection process. A total of 194 Vocational Lecturers in public and private higher education institutions out of 4,000 participants who registered successfully passed the selection. Under the overseas scheme, the Sertikom awardees will experience programs at 13 universities and industries in four foreign countries, namely England, Germany, America and Singapore.