Known as Islamic university, Universitas ‘Aisyiyah Bandung (Unisa Bandung) can create high tolerance for the students. One of Unisa Bandung’s students, with the initial D who is a Protestant, admitted that she enjoys studying at Unisa Bandung due to the high religious tolerance and spiritual materials that have various advantages. That was a statement when she joined Baitul Arqam Purna Studi (BAPS) ‘Ideological Training After Studying’ program on the second campus of Unisa Bandung, Monday (22/08).

“I am grateful for no discrimination in Unisa, all guided subjects. Although the studying process is hard, I feel satisfied when I worked in one hospital in Bandung in the spiritual nursing care field. I can feel various advantages even though I am Protestant,” she said.

She also mentioned another reason she decided to study at Unisa. The annual high competency test result in Unisa Bandung brought her in. “One more reason I decided to study in Unisa is the high competency test result every year,” she said.

146 prospective graduates of Unisa Bandung had followed the Ideological Training held on 22-23 Agustus 2022 located in the second campus hall. The committee of BAPS, Susi Indriana, M.IKom, explained that BAPS is one requirement that should be followed by prospective graduates before they graduate.

“The Baitul Arqam aims to reflect the Islamic values from the divine core of Islam, Qur’an, and Sunnah sahih. Apart from that, it also provides materials for the prospective graduates to prepare and build their soft skills in professional and Islamic work behavior in communities, so they are ready to face all transformation and life dynamics in communities,” said Susi.

Susi also mentioned that BAPS has varied materials related to the family with tranquility, the Guidelines in Islamic Life of Muhammadiyah Members to develop the profession, funeral assessment and practice, salat practice, and reciting Qur’an. Moreover, the methods of the program were lecture, assignment, and Forum Group Discussion (FGD).

Institute for Technology and Business Ahmad Dahlan Jakarta (ITB AD Jakarta) held a national dialogue on Saturday (20/08). This dialogue invited Ustadz Abdul Somad (UAS) and Rocky Gerung as speakers. The national dialogue was organized in Syafruddin Prawiranegara Auditorium, ITB AD Jakarta to commemorate the 77th Independence Day of Indonesia.

In his remarks, the Rector of ITB Ahmad Dahlan Jakarta, Mukhaer Pakkanna explained that the true meaning of independence is essential. It is not about celebration, ritual, and annual routine that should be held. “We implement independence by ensuring freedom from various oppressions, including inequity and inequality. Therefore, it is the true struggle, that is our independence mission,” said Mukhaer on Saturday (20/08).

The national dialogue was also broadcasted through the Youtube channel account of ITB AD Jakarta. Rocky Gerung, a political analyst, mentioned the vital role of Muhammadiyah in Indonesia’s education. Muhammadiyah can have a role in supporting technological development in Indonesia. “Currently, technology grows exponentially. We are now in the technology 4.0 era, but when technology and economics grow as 4.0 indicators, the community also grows up above. Japan entered the technology 4.0 era, however, their communities have entered the 5.0 era,” said Rocky.

On the other hand, Ustadz Abdul Somad (UAS) also explained democracy and the importance of thinking logically. According to him, democracy rules thinking freely. “To fight, now, is to have argumentation. The argumentation from the utterance that came out from the thoughts,” said UAS in his presentation on Saturday (20/08). At the end of the dialogue, UAS encouraged all ITB AD Jakarta students to be the one who creates history.

M Arif Fhadila, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) student, won first place in an International Karate Competition of Thailand Open Karate-Do Championship in Phuket Thailand, Thursday-Tuesday (18-23/08). This Economics and Business Faculty (FEB) student succeeded to bag a gold medal after beating the Malaysian athlete in the final. More than 700 international athletes from 24 different countries participated in the competition, including Brazil, Turkiye, Thailand, Malaysia, Hongkong, Philippines, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam, Iran, Singapore, Netherland, Brunei Darussalam, Australia, and many other countries.

The competition was a reputable karate championship because it can add more points to the Olympics. “In this championship, we targeted one medal. Alhamdulillah, it can be achieved,” said Radiman, the Karate coach.

The Head of Student Affairs Bureau (Kabimawa) UMSU also mentioned that M Arif also expressed his gratitude to UMSU. “Especially the UMSU Rector and the Vice-Rectors who gave this opportunity to our athletes in Karate Student Activity Unity, so we can join this great competition. I hope that in the future, it can produce more athletes that can bring a good name to UMSU in national and international,” he said.

Besides Arif, UMSU has sent two other delegations to the International Karate Competition, including Nicky Dwi Oktari and Reza Mahendra. Nova Siaga, the coach, was proud of the spirit and hard work of the athletes. “For Arif, do not overproud and keep practicing. I hope in the future, you can bring other achievements,” Nova said.

Universitas ‘Aisyiyah Bandung (UNISA Bandung) held a blood donation program on Wednesday (09/08). The program that raised “Share Love, Donate Your Blood” in Halimun Hotel 36, Lengkong, Bandung collaborated with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Bandung to organize the blood donation.

The Public Relations of Student Executive Board (BEM) UNISA Bandung, Marchella, mentioned the background of the theme. According to her, the theme referred to human philanthropic acts for other people through blood donation. “We share our concern with other people by donating our blood. We hope that it is advantageous and supports the person who needs it. As Rasulullah p.b.u.h. stated ‘the best of mankind is that helpful to others,” Marchella said on Thursday (10/08). Therefore, the concept of ‘share love, donate your blood’ illustrated the concern in humanity and solidarity for other people.

It also implemented the work program of the Social Division in BEM to target communities in public, especially in Lengkong, Bandung. However, UNISA Bandung students, educational staff, lecturers, and many other institutions possibly participated in this blood donation. As reported, the program also aimed to support the one who needs a blood transfusion and strengthen a close relationship between the students and staff in UNISA Bandung.

To welcome 3,240 fresh students, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) held a welcoming ceremony entitled Grand Opening New Student Orientation (GO Masta PMB) for the second term. It was located in the Edutorium Building, KH Ahmad Dahlan UMS on Monday (22/08).

Interestingly, the committee arranged a small contest for showing the Rector’s location during the orientation where a bicycle became the prize. The Rector, for this contest, sat in the middle of his students. When one student found him, the Rector would directly grant him a bicycle. The GO Masta PMB that raised the theme “enlightening, excellence, and world-class university” was directly opened by the Rector of UMS, Prof. Dr. Sofyan Anif, M.Si.

In his remarks, he mentioned the theme was closely related to the UMS achievements. “We raise the theme to encourage new students to be the young generation who can bring enlightenment, be an excellent student, and own international achievements,” the Rector said.

On the other hand, the Committee Chief of GO Masta PMB 2022, Apt. Peni Indrayudha, Ph.D. mentioned that on this occasion, the Scientific Oration would be presented by Rahmawati Husein, MCP, Ph.D. as the Vice Chairman of Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) and Muhammadiyah Covid-19 Command Center (MCCC) by delivering an introduction to Muhammadiyah Higher Education Institution (MHEIs), empowering UMS students as change agents.

“Besides the introduction to MHEIs, the orientation also invites several outstanding students in encouraging the new students to be inspired in achieving something,” said the Committee Chief.

As reported, one of the 2022 new students, Yusuf Badaradin was awarded a bicycle from the Rector. He was grateful and admitted no expectation in receiving the present.

“As a new student, I am so grateful because I received a bicycle from the Rector, and it is precious to me. It will be my accommodation from my rent-house to campus,” he said. He also hoped that he would graduate on time in Industrial Engineering. He admitted that this orientation inspires him after various achievements had been presented by his seniors.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Gorontalo (UMGO), is currently speeding up digitalization by committing to paperless concepts. The concept became a step to reduce paper consumption or even no paper and organize information by electronic media rather than on paper.

To face the transition, UMGO held a Workshop on Strengthening Capacity of Information and Technology for the academic civitas for two days, Monday-Tuesday (22-23/08). UMGO also invited speakers from Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang (UMS Rappang) that implemented the paperless concepts first.

When delivering an introduction, the Committee Chief and the Head of Development and Learning Center from the Institute of Education, Learning, and Quality Assurance (LP3M) UMGO, Dr. Irmawati Duko, M.Pd mentioned that the workshop aimed to elevate the capacity of UMGO human resources in speeding up the digitalization.

The Rector of UMGO, Prof. Abd. Kadim Masaong warmly welcomed the UMS Rappang Rector, Prof. Dr. Jamaluddin Ahmad, and his IT team. In his remarks, he appreciated the attendance of the UMS Rappang Rector and his IT team in the workshop.

“Today will be a historical moment in UMGO in creating a digitalization culture. I hope UMGO academic civitas will adapt to this digital development. We should adjust to produce good academic quality,” he said.

The Rector also invited all participants to commit to pioneering digitalization. Because to be excellent, it should be different from other institutions. He also mentioned that he and the team initiated to be creative and innovative lecturers and overcome the globalization challenges and technology development.

The Head of Higher Education Service Institution in Regional XVI, Munawir Sadzali Razak, S.IP, M.AP presented his material by encouraging UM Gorontalo academic civitas. He also explained the digital service strategy. “Our campus will progress if we have a digital system in the service,” he said.

“The Higher Education Institution should develop IT to overcome various challenges. The current MBKM program demands UMGO to improve its IT system, so the other students can also learn in UM Gorontalo,” he concluded.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Pontianak (UM Pontianak) held Applied-Approach (AA) Training from Sunday (06/08) to Thursday (11/08). The training that targeted lecturers was a part of the Quality Assurance Institute programs led by Dr. Linda Suwarni SKM MKes. The training collaborated with the Learning Development Center of the Learning Development and Quality Assurance Institute (LP3M) Universitas Tanjung Pura (UNTAN). In this collaboration, Dr. Sulisyarini, the Head of the Learning Development Center LP3M, was invited as a speaker.

At the opening ceremony of Applied-Approach Training, the Secretary of LP3M UNTAN, Dr. Sri Wahyuni, MSi, delivered her remarks. On this occasion, the Rector of UM Pontianak mentioned the purpose of the training was to elevate lecturers’ quality as educational personnel. “The training involves basic knowledge of the learning process, method, assessment, and many others,” he said. In addition, he also explained that the lecturers should be professional to improve the higher education quality. “So lecturers have an important role in producing excellent and highly competitive graduates,” he added.

Of forty-three participants who previously followed Training of Improving Skills in Instructional Technique (PEKERTI), they were from 15 different study programs in Universitas Muhammadiyah Pontianak. Overall, the participants were enthusiastic and actively participated in following the training.

The certified instructors included Dr. Sulistyarini, MSi., the Chairman of Learning Development Center of the Learning Development and Quality Assurance Institute (LP3M), Dr. Sri Wahyuni, M.Si, the Secretary of Learning Development Center of the Learning Development and Quality Assurance Institute (LP3M), Prof Aunurrahman, M.Pd (The Head of Learning Development Center), Ir Sutarman Gafur, MSc, Ph.D.; Prof. Dr. Henny Herawati, ST., MT. IPM; Dr. Bistari, M.Pd; Dr. Rusdiono, M.Si; Dr. Y. Gatot Sutapa. Y, M.Pd; Asriah Nurdini, Ph.D; dan Urai Salam, S.Pd., M.Call., Ph.D.

Besides various materials from the experts, the Applied-Approach training was also completed with quizzes and tasks. In total, the participants should submit 5 tasks with particular deadlines. On the fourth day, the participants were divided into 9 groups under the supervision of each instructor, then continued with discussion and presentation.

To commemorate 77th Indonesian Independence Day, a 770-meter flag was raised above Teluk Kendari Bridge, Southeast Sulawesi. It was promoted by the Student Association for Environmental and Adventure Activity (Mata Alam) Universitas Muhammadiyah Kendari (UM Kendari). Although it rained, it could not dampen the youth spirit that associated with various organizations to raise the Red-White flag in one iconic place in Kendari launched by President Jokowi last 2020.

The Chairman of Mata Alam UM Kendari, La Ode Izhar mentioned that the flag-raising ceremony had been discussed for weeks. On the 76th Independence Day, they raised a 76-meter long flag, while in the current year, they raised a 770-meter flag. Izhar targetted the flag ceremony as one of the longest flags in Southeast Sulawesi.

“Our next target is to break the MURI record in the following commemoration as our real expression of love to our campus, Southeast Sulawesi province, and our nations,” he said. He continued to realize the establishment of the Peace Monument in Kendari that the groundbreaking was attended by the Mayor. “We try to attract investors to this monument construction. As a symbol, the monument will recall a memory that Mata Alam and various collaborating institutions proclaimed unity in diversity through a 770-meter flag raising ceremony,” he said.

This ceremony was followed by various student associations in each department at UM Kendari, including the mining engineering student association, environmental engineering student association, architect student association, and civil engineering student association of UM Kendari.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Maluku (UMMU) held SINTA Score appreciation for its lecturers for the last three years. It aimed to appreciate the scientific works of the lecturers placed in the UMMU Rectorate, Saturday (20/08).

The Rector of UMMU, Prof. Dr. Saiful Deni, S.Ag, M.Si attended the agenda and mentioned the appreciation referred to the campus accreditation improvement in UMMU education personnel quality by elevating the number of scientific works. “This activity (the appreciation) is important to support UMMU in its institutional and human resources, then, we will acknowledge the scientific works of the lecturers from the SINTA Score. Because of this achievement, we provide an appreciation from the score of 1-20 in precious metals, golds, books, and Muhammadiyah pins,” he said. The score also clustered the higher education institutions, functional position, and system, and it would also be used in the promotion of functional position based on the SINTA score.

SINTA is an online scientific portal organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbud Ristek) initiated in 2016 by the Directorate General of Strengthening Research and Development. However, it was officially launched on 30 December 2017 by the Kemendikbud Ristek. Through the program, UM Maluku Utara encouraged its education personnel to keep publishing scientific works to achieve qualified institutions.

Prof Saiful Deni expected the lecturers to research and elevate the number of scientific works registered in SINTA. “Currently, UMMU has published 171 writings. Therefore, to realize the program, UMMU invites all lecturers to keep writing and developing to improve Muhammadiyah educational service, especially UM Maluku Utara,” he said.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Palopo (UM Palopo) held a judicium procession on Thursday (18/08). The judicium became a part of the graduation process for the Economic and Business Faculty (FEB). Eighty-two students followed this procession that was located on the Second Floor of the FEB Building, UM Palopo.

UM Palopo students that comprised 18 students of Economics and Development Studies (IESP), 44 students in the Management department, and 20 students in the Accounting department followed the procession. On this occasion, the lecturers and staff also attended the judicium. The Vice Dean I of the Economic and Business Faculty, Dr. Antong SE MSi reported the number to the audience.

Furthermore, the Dean of FEB, Hapid SE MM delivered his remarks. He mentioned that the alumni were required to contribute to the communities. It is in line with the Vice Rector III statement, Prof Dr. H Suhardi M Anwar MM. He delivered a mandate of the judiciary and mentioned that the alumni were a university image. “Alumni become images of the alma mater, so they should actively participate and become role models in the communities. I expect that the alumni give positive impressions to the communities to illustrate that UM Palopo alumni can contribute to the broader communities,” he said.