The Faculty of Education and Teacher Training of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (FKIP UMS) held the Community Service Program selection for International Partnership (KKNDik) as Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) program of the Muhammadiyah Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs), Monday (13/06). The students who qualified would be located in the Indonesia Learning Activity Center in Malaysia. The program was initiated by the Association of Educational Institutions (ALPTK) MHEIs which collaborates with the Education and Cultural Attache (Atdikbud) Republic of Indonesia in Malaysia.

Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, the program initiator, explained the KKNDik aimed to actualize an equitable education system for all Indonesian both at home and overseas. “The program is a part of the MBKM program in ALPTK MHEIs where the students will receive the conversion of 10-20 Credit Units after finishing a-month program there,” said the Chairman of ALPTK MHEIs and the Vice-Rector I UMS.

To follow KKNDik, the prospective students would go through a tight and gradual selection from the MHEI level to Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (CHERD). In FKIP UMS, the selective process began with initial screening for 79 students. It started from study program screening to assess physical and academic preparation, including honesty, self-reliance, and Islamic and Muhammadiyah comprehension. Thirty-four students were qualified after the interview phase on the study program and faculty boards. “It is an essential program to develop students’ soft skills to face dynamic challenges in the future,” said Prof. Sr. Sutama, the Dean of FKIP UMS.

FKIP UMS, established several years ago, has sent students to obtain an internship program or KKN in various regencies outside Java, for instance Bangka Belitung, Makassar, Mataram, Palu, and many others that collaborated with Muhammadiyah Higher Education institutions. Furthermore, FKIP UMS has regularly sent students to take global internships in Thailand, the Philippines, and many other countries. [] CHERD / UMS / ALPTK

Five Muhammadiyah Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs) leaders comprised of UM Palangka Raya, UM Kalimantan Timur, UM Semarang (Unimus), UM Purwokerto, and UM Surabaya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU called Deklarasi Unimus (Unimus Declaration) was agreed to sign in the collaborative classroom (GKB) on the eighth floor of Unimus, Thursday (09/06).

In the meeting, they agreed to collaborate in elevating lecturer recognition, especially in MHEIs, to conduct national and international webinar series. The series would become a medium to present research results and publication of the lecturers and students for MHEIs and communities in general.

Furthermore, the collaborations were also in collaborative journals to accommodate lecturer and student’s research publications and community service programs. The collaborative programs began with five journal establishments with multi-disciplinary topics, including Education, Health, Economy, Engineering, and Religious and Social. Later, the programs were organized by five higher education institutions as in the Unimus Declaration agreement. Therefore, it would be continued with other Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) starting from the Scientific Publication Divisions in each higher education institution. [] Unimus / CHERD

Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar (UM Makassar) and the Provincial Department of Education in South Sulawesi discussed a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday (14/06). The Rector of UM Makassar was delegated by the Vice-Rector I, Dr Abd Rakhim Nanda. Moreover, the Chairman of the Education Department, Setiawan Aswad PhD attended the meeting. Dr Abd was accompanied by Dr Andi Sukri Syamsuri, the Vice-Rector II; Drs KH Mawardi Pewangi MPdI, the Vice-Rector IV; Dr Ihyani Malik, the Dean of Social and Political Science Faculty; Dr Burhanuddin, the Head of Quality Assurance Agency; and Hadisaputra, the Head of Public Relation Division.

The discussion of a Memorandum of Understanding between UM Makassar and the Provincial Department of Education was located in the Education Department Office, Perintis Kemerdekaan Street, Makassar. Besides the Chairman, the Head of P2TK & FPD3 (Educators and Educational Personnel Development and Facilitator for Early Childhood, Elementary, Higher Education, and Community Education), Dr Muhlis MM, also warmly welcomed Unismuh Makassar’s visitation.

In his remarks, the Vice-Rector I Unismuh, Dr Abd Rakhim Nanda mentioned that the Provincial Department of Education in South Sulawesi is a strategic partner for Unismuh. According to him, both institutions could collaborate toward educational advancement in South Sulawesi. Therefore, Dr Abd expected the synergy between the Education Department and Unismuh in varied strategic programs.

Furthermore, responding to the Vice-Rector’s statements, the Chairman of the Education Department, Setiawan Aswad PhD appreciated Unismuh cooperative intention. “InsyaAllah, I will assist Unismuh Makassar to develop, including in International partnership programs,” he said.

To improve competitiveness, Indonesian students should comprehend the knowledge, create international networks, and master International languages to be capable of competing with students who studied abroad. That was a statement of the Governor of Jakarta, Anies Baswedan when delivering his Public Lecture material at Universitas Muhammadiyah Metro (UM Metro) Friday (10/06).

According to him, the competition for jobs would be harder in the future. Given the increase of Indonesian generation who are studying overseas with more developed subjects. “In the following years, you have more considerable challenges because you will meet new generation returning home,” Anies Baswean said.

He also reminded the lecturers to prepare materials based on future needs. It could be an effort for students to enhance digital media by utilizing it and create networking as learning support, besides learning in the classroom. “It is a challenge for the lecturers and students. The lecturers should accommodate recent topics in students’ life. The knowledge is on their hand (/red: handphone),” he continued.

Anies also prompted the students to improve their experience and knowledge through networking and organizational programs both external and internal. “Excellent should be measured accurately, it is reachable and can be accomplished. I suggest to you, that when you are studying, you should consider learning in both external and internal campus. InsyaAllah, the preparation is for us all,” Anies said.

He considered the Muhammadiyah foundation having students with remarkable educational achievements. The establishment of 173 Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs) was expected to produce prospective leaders in communities. He also believed UM Metro graduates would successfully compete in the working life. However, he also highlighted that the students should overcome the educational outcomes. “Realizing three components I mentioned before, InsyaAllah UM Metro students can be winners in the future,” he said.

The public lecture was also attended by the Chairman of Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (CHERD), Prof. H. Lincolin Arsyad, M.Sc., Ph.D.; the Deputy-Chair of CHERD, Prof Dr Edy Suandi Hamid, M.Ec; and the Rector of UM Metro, Drs H Jazim Ahmad, M.Pd. Moreover, Muhammadiyah boards from Province, Regional, Branch, and Local boards and UM Metro leaders were also presented. Local government in Metro, Headmasters in Metro and surroundings, students, and public communities in attendance. 

Universitas Muhammadiyah Surabaya (UM Surabaya) and Universitas Muhammadiyah Berau (UM Berau) met during a visitation on Wednesday (08/06). The visitation aimed to optimize the improvement of human resource capacities, research, and community service. During the visitation, both parties shared their experience about achievements and academic activities implementation.

On this occasion, they agreed to strengthen the partnership synergy between Unmuh Surabaya and UM Berau. The intention to collaborate was stated by the Rector of UM Berau, Syarifuddin. He mentioned that UM Berau has the vision to cooperate with varied Muhammadiyah Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs). “By observing the achievement of Unmuh Surabaya students, it becomes a prideful way to synergize and collaborate,” he said. Through this collaboration, they could improve institutional relations through the authorities and human resources synergy. Undoubtedly,  it also involves human resource allocation based on a healthy support system.

Furthermore, the Rector of UM Surabaya, Sukadiono, responded positively to the agreement held in At-Tauhid Tower, Unmuh Surabaya. “The agreement can accelerate and elevate the higher education institutions’ quality,” he said. Also, he mentioned the scope of cooperation, including the accreditation status improvement, institutional management reinforcement, student exchange establishment, and lecturer competencies development pursuing a higher degree. It also includes program actualization comprising joint seminars/workshops, research, and community service, scientific publication, and many other programs. [] CHERD

Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development held Leadership Training at Universitas Muhammadiyah Luwuk Banggai (UMLB), Friday-Monday (10-13/06). The training was followed by UM Luwuk Banggai leaders located in Santika Hotel, Luwuk. Prof Dr. Abdul Mu’thi attended online as a Keynote Speaker.

Prof Abdul Mu’thi appreciated UMLB due to the full-motivated leaders on campus following Leadership Training. “I am grateful I can associate here, although virtually,” said the Secretary of Muhammadiyah Central Board. He also highly valued Luwuk as a regency that owns higher education institutions with significant dynamics. “The regency that owns higher education that I consider has a dynamic environment. Therefore, it becomes a shred of evidence that Muhammadiyah always commits to educating broader communities,” he said in a statement.

In his remarks, Sutrisno K Djawa, the Rector of UM Luwuk Banggai expressed his gratitude towards Leadership Training (LT) conducted in UMLB. Moreover, he also reminded all boards in UMLB to prepare for the digitalization era and global competition. “Let us properly apply the training to transform in the digital and technology era, so we can keep up and not be behind the times,” the Rector said in front of 60 participants.

Varied programs on Leadership Training comprised focus group discussions that identified problems and offered the problem solving through SWOT analysis. Ahmad Muttaqin, Ph.D., Dr. Muhammad Samsudin, and Punang Amari Puja, M.IT from Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (CHERD) delivered their materials on LT.

Furthermore, Muhammad Sayuti, Ph.D., the Secretary of CHERD mentioned that LT in UMLB was motivated by the transformation spirit towards a good governance campus. According to him, leadership becomes an instrument in changing the ways we work, think, and manage. Also, it becomes a character for everyone. “Leadership doesn’t mean the Daily Advisory Board (BPH), the Rector, or the Deans. Leadership is in each of us, and it is a soft skill that should be retained in ourselves,” he highlighted. Muhammad Sayuti also expected all participants in LT were full of gratitude having an opportunity to follow LT. “To own the character of a leader is important. And it is required by everybody,” he said. [] CHERD/ UM Luwuk Banggai

Universitas Muhammadiyah Aceh (UNMUHA) team conducted a community service program on Wednesday (01/06). The program was located in Gampong Ceurih, Ulee Kareng district, Banda Aceh. It raised the theme “Education of Smoke-free Homes.” As the resource persons, Tahara Dila Santi, M Biomed, Vera Nazhira MPH, and four Public Health students presented in Banda Aceh. Moreover, all speakers presented the dangers of smoking indoors.

“Smoking indoors, especially in the house can influence the health condition,due to the hazardous materials relating to carcinogens,” said Tahara Dila Santi. The tobacco-smoke residue might linger on household furniture, curtains, carpets, and walls. It aligned with Vera Nazhira’s presentation that the residue could remain in several materials for 4-6 hours. It also could harm babies, toddlers, children, and other members of the family from the smoke exposure, for instance, bronchopneumonia in children.

Furthermore, Vera also explained that secondhand smoke might affect other factors than health. It would affect psychologically, especially parents who smoke in front of their children. “Teenagers are often inquisitive about their surroundings. It can harm the children,” she said, as reported on the UNMUHA site.

Besides the presentations, the Medical Faculty students also provided door prizes for all participants who followed the agenda.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Lampung (UML) held an upgrading program for lecturers and staff that was directly delivered by Prof Lincolin Arsyad and Prof Edy Suandi Hamid as the Chairman and Deputy-Chair of Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (CHERD). The program raised the theme “The Leader Commitment and Universitas Muhammadiyah Lampung Advancement” was placed in the Meeting Room, Second Floor, UM Lampung on Thursday (09/06).

In his remarks, Prof Lincolin mentioned that to actualize the advancement requires hard work and collaboration. Therefore, the weakness and problems in structural and non-structural could be solved by effective cooperation. “In carrying out responsibilities, we should prioritize team collaboration, so the duties finish fast with the optimum result,” he said. He also highlighted that a particular research results several employees that work by themselves will experience exhaustion during their day with dissatisfied result of responsibilities. Meanwhile, the employees that work in a team illustrate satisfying results. 

Prof Edy, in his material that raised “To Develop Professional Career with Islamic Character”, explained that the lecturer, lawyer, lab assistant, administrator, driver, and many other jobs are the professions that have significant benefits for others. According to him, if the duties were carried out earnestly, insyaAllah, Allah will grant good fortune (halal) and rewards for every good deed. The leaders in Muhammadiyah higher education institutions should acknowledge and understand professionalism, including having knowledge and skills in their field, dedicating themselves to the most suitable duties, actualizing the optimum and best performance, being honest, and having social awareness and high work ethics, and to notice every stakeholder.

“To have achievement in work, receive good fortune and have high hope in institutional development, insyaAllah, our lives can be much better. We should build UML as an enjoyable workplace. It is in line with An-Nahl verse 80, Allah has made your houses a repose,” he said.

Dr. Mardiana, the Rector of UM Lampung, reported that currently, UML keeps working on developing UM Lampung as a place to learn and develop science and technology for all nations in Indonesia. “UML unites us in an important and noble mission. It is to develop and disseminate science and technology for the improvement and benefit of humanity, especially in Indonesia,” she said. She also appreciated the support and encouragement from CHERD to UML. “I warmly welcome and appreciate the Chairman and Deputy Chair of CHERD to visit us on this agenda. I hope all the good intentions can be good deeds of worship to Allah,” she hoped. [] CHERD / UM Lampung

Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang (UNIMMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate with a digital company on Thursday (09/06). The company called Digital Global Group (DGG), which operates in Canada, the Philippines, Dubai, and Indonesia, focuses on the development of Blockchain, BigData, and Artificial Intelligence. The agreement, which was signed by both parties, was placed in the Auditorium of Health Science faculty, the Second campus of UNIMMA. The Rector, Dr Lilik Andriyani SE MSi signed the MoU. While as the second party, the CEO of DGG, John Zachary, attended to sign.

In the MoU, the collaboration between both parties includes first, both parties will support the implementation of the Independent Campus, Independent Learning (MBKM) program. Second, agree to build a teaching factory. Third, the start-up campus establishment involves the collaboration between industry and education. Fourth, to conduct research, community service, and learning activities. Fifth, the supporting activities that benefit both parties.

Furthermore, the Rector warmly welcomed and stated that UNIMMA would keep collaborating and await the collaboration implementation. “UNIMMA, a prominent campus in Indonesia, positively welcomes all collaboration in education, research, and community service to be a start-up campus and teaching factory,” said Dr Lilik. The signing of the MoU continued with a Public Lecture presentation from the CEO of DGG that raised “Blockchain, BigData, AI for New Era of Technology” in front of all students of Engineering Faculty (FT) UNIMMA. [] CHERD /UNIMMA

Considering the pandemic that has been restrained, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) pioneered in the offline commencement with endemic conditions. The procession was conducted hybrid, both online and offline, inviting families of the graduates to gather in the Sportorium UMY. They were also required to apply health protocol and get a second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

In the second session of the commencement ceremony of Vocational, Bachelor, and Postgraduate Programs (Fourth Period in the Year 2021/2022), the Rector of UMY, Prof. Dr. Ir. Gunawan Budiyanto, M.P., IPM mentioned the academic activities would be conducted in face-to-face meetings in the following years. “For the endemic phase, we should learn to coexist with the source of the disease. However, we should apply a strict health protocol,” he said, as reported on the UMY site.

He also reported in the last four years, UMY did not obtain any report of the Covid-19 infection case from the students, lecturers, and educational personnel. He also appreciated the 108 Covid-19 volunteers that have worked hard during the pandemic. “Becoming a volunteer is a tough job. But the Covid-19 volunteers were persistent and kept doing their jobs until they finished. From securing the front gate to assisting to provide logistics for the self-isolation patients. Only Allah Almighty can repay all those good deeds all these years,” he said on Wednesday (08/06).

To conclude, the Professor in Agriculture also prompted the graduates to be the young generation with various capabilities and skills. “Alhamdulillah, today, you pave the way for one preparation in good grades. The Bachelor and Postgraduate degrees are not the ends. As long as we are still alive, we have to keep learning to improve our self-capacities and capabilities,” he highlighted.