Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) student won a competition. Zeriflita Aura Rinjani, a student from Psychology Department UMM, bagged gold in Student Sports Week (Pomprov) of East Java 2022. She won in Rock Climbing in the Female Lead category Thursday (24/03). Orin, her nickname, explained that she never thought she would get a gold medal. In Particular, she became the first UMM athlete that succeeds in bagging gold. In her preparation, extra routine training has been conducted on bouldering training boards and physical exercise. After the training, she finished it with relaxation for relaxing muscles and emotions.

“Due to training activities 4-5 times a week, the relaxation method that I usually do includes swimming and PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation). I usually use contraction relaxation for stretching and bending training,” she said.

Orin continued that she started to be serious about rock climbing when she was in Secondary School. She has a relative that won various competitions in rock climbing. “Since then, I have worked hard to accomplish it. Alhamdulillah, it has achieved sweet results by winning several championships. Before Pomprov, I also won a national competition in Riau as part of the UMM delegation,” she said.

Born in Riau and living in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, she hoped that her accomplishment in Pomprov might make her parents proud. She also started to rearrange her schedule to balance her training and studies. “Undoubtedly, I will never stop here. I have targets to be accomplished and I hope I can,” she said.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Palembang (UM Palembang) student won achievement. Febi Utami, a student from Indonesian Language Education at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, was awarded last Sunday (03/04). Febi won the first place on 2022 Bujang Peci dan Gadis Kerudung awards organized in PS Mall, Palembang. The Vice-Rector III Universitas Muhammadiyah Palembang, Dr Ir Mukhtarudin Muchsiri MP, was grateful and appreciated the accomplishment. “The achievement of Febi Utami, a student of Indonesian Language Education at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education UM Palembang, is an impressive accomplishment,” said Mukhtarudin, as reported on UM Palembang site.

Moreover, Dr Ir Mukhtarudin Muchsiri MP also congratulated Febi Utami. He mentioned that the students who won competitions, such as Febi Utami, have enhanced Unmuh Palembang’s reputation. She also expected that the accomplishment could inspire other students. “I hope this achievement can encourage UM Palembang students to have many outstanding accomplishments,” he said.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Palembang planned to provide appreciation to all outstanding students. The recognition would become a reward to enhance Unmuh Palembang’s good name. All achievements would be awarded from regional, national to international levels. “For that reason, we on behalf of all Unmuh Palembang leaders, will provide academic and non-academic outstanding students every National Education Day on 2 May,” he added.

One thousand and two students of Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof DR Hamka (Uhamka) graduated on Thursday (31/03) in Jakarta Convention Center. Although their families could not directly accompany them, the in-person graduation ceremony was held in a formal, pretentious, and sacred procession. Also, all necessary safety health protocols were followed by the audience. The ceremony led by the Uhamka Rector, Prof Gunawan Suryoputro, was attended by the Chairman of Muhammadiyah Central Board, Prof Dadang Kahmad, the Deputy Chair of Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (CHERD), Prof Edy Suandi Hamid.

“You have officially graduated from Uhamka. Be a more helpful person to broader communities to apply the knowledge acquired here. Be the one who is reliable and sparks happiness in the surroundings. In ahsantum ahsantum li’ anfusikum means that If you do good to others, then indeed you have done well for yourself (QS Al-Isra: 7), said Prof Gunawan.

In his speech, Prof Dadang explained that Muhammadiyah had designed prominent programs in various studies, especially in education. He added that Muhammadiyah also encourages Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs) with an A grade or excellent status in institutional accreditation.

“We intended in all Muhammadiyah services, including education, health, social, and economic studies, to actualize Muhammadiyah ideals,” said Prof. Dadang. Moreover, Prof Edy Suandi Hamid prompted the graduates to keep studying. “You all graduated from an excellent institution with an A grade. It will significantly affect your future career. However, the graduates must follow the dynamic, rapid transformation, along with innovative and creative works,” said Prof Edy. [] CHERD

Prof Dr H Haedar Nashir MSi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Muhammadiyah Central Board and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to Tokyo, Japan, on Friday (01/04). The Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Ir Heri Akhmadi, attended virtually. The collaboration included educational training, collaborative research and education, the partnership between Muhammadiyah and related industries in Japan, and many other programs.

Prof Haedar Nashir’s speech continued the signing procession through a Public Lecture presentation. Prof Haedar also mentioned three principles to actualize a sturdy and progressive nation, to implement Pancasila, religious and cultural principles. “Pancasila is Indonesia’s most appropriate foundation and ideology to be our orientation to develop. On the other hand, religion should be a divine inspiration and spiritual strength that has noble culture, Indonesian characters, and personalities,” he said.

Prof Haedar Nashir also mentioned three challenges of extremism amidst the impact of globalization, postmodernism, and the disruption era. First, anti-transformative extremism and all consequences. “This kind of extremism leads us to have old-fashioned (jumud) and myopic perspectives. It tends to withdraw amidst the change and become a reactive and separatist movement,” said Prof Haedar Nashir.

Second, extremism that follows massive transformation without filtering information achieved to liberal radical movement. Third, is the pragmatic extremism that allows radical changes as long as it benefits their groups. “This extremism may convert our national personalities,” he said. To conclude, Prof Haedar MSi highlighted that Indonesian people require the advancement to develop education competitiveness and quality but still need to lean on the national personalities to connect with its cultural and historical roots, comprising Pancasila, religious and cultural principles.

One of Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar (Unismuh Makassar) became a resource person on an entrepreneurial webinar on Friday (01/04). Muhammad Ikbal SPi, MSi, the Vice-Dean III for the Agricultural Faculty Unismuh Makassar, delivered materials about the business idea by “How To Turn Hobby Into Business?”. The webinar entitled “Sharing Session Entrepreneurship 2022” was conducted semi-virtual by the Entrepreneurial Studies Center (Puswira) of Taruna Polytechnic KP Sorong.

Muhammad Ikbal started his material by highlighting the danger of consumptive culture. Because according to Ikbal, Indonesian people are quite consumptive. “Whereas people with consumption behavior tend to fill their needs by buying things. They never think to create or produce the things,” said Ikbal, as reported on the Unismuh Makassar site. Besides becoming the Vice-Dean III, he also becomes Master Mentor of Digital Acceleration for MSME Assistance (SIGAP UMKM).

Afterwards, he suggested turning consumption into a productive culture. He also continued that technological development has a role in integrating the culture. “Rapid technological development and information surplus become opportunities to create various works. So we can develop entrepreneurial motivation through digital platforms,” said Ikbal.

Besides Muhammad Ikbal, the Head of Puswira of Polytechnic KP Sorong, Dr. Ismail MSi also presented his material about design thinking. Meanwhile, the Director of Polytechnic KP Sorong, Amir M Suruwaky MSi, opened the agenda.

Rapid and phenomenal progress of construction was managed by Universitas Muhammadiyah Tangerang (UM Tangerang) at the age of 13-years. UM Tangerang continually develops academic and non-academic performance at a young age, especially in physical construction. Before Ramadan, Thursday (31/03), the Rector of UM Tangerang, Drs Amarullah, MPd, accompanied by the General Secretary of Muhammadiyah Central Board, Prof Abdul Mu’thi, and Deputy Chair of Muhammadiyah CHERD and other parties conducted the topping off ceremony on the 22nd floor of Menara UMT 1912 (UMT 1912 Tower).

On this occasion, the Vice-Governor of Banten, H. Andika Hazrumy, S.SosM.AP congratulated and expected that the 1912 Tower would become an educational lighthouse in Banten and hoped UMT would contribute to Banten Province’s advancement through human resources development. The Rector, H Ahmad Amarullah, M.Pd highlighted that the UMT 1912 Tower’s ceremony would be a tourist attraction in Tangerang that illustrates the Cisadane river stretching out Tangerang. The tower, in the future, can be used for visual sighting of the crescent moon in Ramadan fasting determination.

In the future, the UMT 1912 Tower will be completed with laboratories, classes, and discussion rooms for students, while the rooftop demonstrates Tangerang’s natural beauty. “It can be an observation deck to see Tangerang city. It can be more special if there is a cafe to drink coffee on the rooftop,” said Prof. Edy.

The positive reputation of the public about Universitas Muhammadiyah Metro (UM Metro) and several indicators in illustrating UM Metro is above average among other private universities and other Muhammadiyah – ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs). “From the study program accreditations with A and B level to the number of doctors, UM Metro is above the national average. Also, I heard directly from various Lampung stakeholders that highly appreciate Unmuh Metro,” said Prof Edy Suandi Hamid, the Deputy Chair of Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (CHERD). It was stated on the leadership assistance program on Unmuh Metro campus, Wednesday (30/03).

In the program led by UM Metro Rector, Drs Jazim Ahmad MPd, Prof Edy highlighted that all leaders, boards, and staff should boost their confidence to create an excellent university. Unmuh Metro should not be discouraged about becoming a university outside the province capital. “However, it should be managed through a roadmap, detailed and measurable plans to make it happen. It should not only be normatively organized,” he highlighted. [] CHERD

Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang (UNIMMA) held a Curriculum Socialization and Forum Group Discussion (FGD) of the Internship Associates for Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) program on Wednesday (30/03). The socialization was an implementation of MoU with various schools in the Magelang Region and City. Twenty-eight participants attended in-person socialization in Atria Hotel, Magelang.

To follow up on the MBKM program, students can select their final assignment, whether or not a thesis is one of the requirements. If they choose a program other than a thesis, they can replace it with an internship program or additional subjects. On this occasion, UNIMMA and associates formulated the internship concept. The program led by Primary Teacher Education (PGSD) continued with a Focus Group Discussion for the headmaster, teachers, and PGSD lecturers to map out the schools’ condition and arrange a collaborative project to elevate the school quality.

The Chairman of PGSD UNIMMA, Agrissto Bintang Aji Pradana, M.Pd explained that the discussion resulted in an Ethno pedagogy-based project plan. The plans that would be conducted in schools collaborate with PGSD lecturers for community service and support in school. “PGSD department initiates the socialization and FGD to apply the independent school program and follow-up the MoU,” he said.

Moreover, Luqman Novianto, M.Si, the Headmaster of SD Mutual 1 Kota Magelang mentioned that socialization and FGD were significantly relevant and beneficial for schools to apply the independent school program for students and independent teaching for their teachers. “I expect this sort of activity will frequently be organized to develop schools and elevate educational quality,” said Luqman.

All materials had run well resulting in collaboration between schools and higher education institutions to create a collective-collegial relationship by strengthening each institution’s quality.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Kotabumi (UMKO) established the Master of Law Program on Tuesday (29/03). The department is under the Faculty of Law and Social Science (FHIS) UMKO. The launching procession was conducted in the Meeting Room of UMKO. As reported on UMKO site, the establishment was expected to produce professional, competent, and reliable resources that have specific competencies in legal issues.

The department was established based on a document from the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology No. 1580/E1/KB.01.01/2022. It also includes a Decree copy from the Indonesian Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology No. 206/E/O/2022. Tjitjik Srie Tjahjandarie, the Secretary of the Directorate General, signed the document.

The Rector of UMKO, Dr Sumarno, MPd, mentioned the establishment process in 2017. “We have plan since it was Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Hukum (STIH) Muhammadiyah Kotabumi,” said Dr Sumarno. On this occasion, the Vice-Rector I, Dr Didiek R Mawardi, SH MH; the Dean of FHIS, Suwardi SH, MH, CM, CPCLE; and the Chairman of Master of Law Program, Dr Slamet Haryadi SH MHum attended the launching.

Afterwards, the Chairman of the Master of Law Program, Dr Slamet Haryadi SH MHum explained that this program was expected to overcome resource development. “Therefore, we offer to the governmental institutions, the executive, legislative, and judicative, private institutions, and individuals to collaborate in elevating qualified human resources to be legal experts. It also aims to develop humanitarianism and communities’ welfare,” said Dr Slamet Haryadi, SH MHum.

Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (CHERD) held a welcoming ceremony for Palestine Scholarship awardee in the Daily Advisory Board (BPH) Courtroom, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), Tuesday (29/03). The first batch’s awardee, Fathi Sulaiman A. Alrawagh, is a Palestine student who will pursue a Master’s degree in Technical Engineering at UMS for two-and-a-half years. The ceremony was attended by Andy Dwi Bayu Bawono, M.Si., PhD, the Vice-Treasurer of CHERD; Prof. Harun Joko Prayitno, the Vice-Rector I UMS; Muamaroh, PhD, the Director of Student Dormitory (PESMA) UMS; Prof Dr Anam Sutopo, MHum, the Rector Secretary UMS; and the Head of Master Technical Engineering Program.

In his remarks, Andy Dwi Bayu Bawono, MSi, PhD appreciated to Ust Adi Hidayat Institute, National Zakat Agency in Indonesia (Baznas RI), Muhammadiyah Institute for Zakat, Infaq, Sadaqah (LazisMu) as the funding institutions to trust Muhammadiyah in managing the scholarship funds for Palestine students. “We hope the first batch of Palestine Scholarship becomes the first good start for other awardees in the future,” he said.

Prof Harun, the Vice Rector I UMS warmly welcomed Fathi as the first Palestine Scholarship awardee in UMS. “We expect that Fathi Sulaiman could focus on academics and finish his study on time. He also could learn Indonesian culture, especially in Surakarta, to have a cultural exchange between Palestine and Indonesia in general,” he said. The agenda ended with the symbolic submission from Muhammadiyah CHERD, Andy Bawono, to UMS, Prof Harun, as the symbolic handed over the Palestine student to UMS.

The Palestine Scholarship Program is a program launched by Baznas RI, LazisMu, and CHERD through the Ma’had Islam Rafiatul Akhyar (MIRA) donation of Ustadz Adi Hidayat (UAH). The program was divided into two programs, the Master’s degree (2 years) and the Short Course program (1 month). The program that also involved several Muhammadiyah Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs) in Indonesia was planned to be organized in two batches.