In the pandemic era, Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (PTMA) are required to adapt to the development of Distance Learning (PJJ) so that the education process improves its quality. The following question is how to create an active, effective, and educative learning process using distance-learning methods. That was a statement from Munawwar Khalil, Assistance Team of Muhammadiyah Diktilitbang Council, when he opened an online Webinar of Active, Effective, and Educative Distance-Learning Strategies, Thursday (26/02).

In his speech, Prof. Edy Suandi Hamid agreed that distance learning in the pandemic era is an accidental learning method. “From time to time, we should improve our fresh and updated competence, and the pandemic forces us to utilize IT to provide active, effective, and educative learning,” he explained.

Distance learning is a necessity for PTMAs if we do not transform the learning concept and there is no innovation.” Natural selection might happen if we do not change, especially in the pandemic condition,” he said. With distance learning, PTMAs might improve their students’ competence maximally, in which credits are written on certificates and the other competence they have gained during the learning process.

Prof. Dr. Ir. R. Eko Indrajit stated the recent competence which the lecturers and teachers should have in the pandemic era is cyber-pedagogy. “Education world’s forced to transform faster than expected. It shifted from the evolution mode to revolution mode,” he explained in Keynote Speech. The core of distance learning is not technology, money, or time. Still, the mindset is the key to education success. Prof. Eko also asserted that technology could not replace the lecturers’ role. Meanwhile, the lecturers who can not utilize technology are immediately replaceable. It is because they can not adapt to the development of time,” he said as a closing statement in 300s participants. [] Diktilitbang / Pradita University

Bukittinggi Mayor, Ramlan Nurmatias laid the first stone for Univesitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Barat (UMSB) mosque in the campus complex. In 3rd campus in Bukittinggi and 4th campus of Payakumbuh, the mosque construction was marked by the groundbreaking procession on Thursday (11/02).

The Rector of UMSB, Dr Riki Saputra, explained that the two mosque construction was in waqf (charitable endowment) from H Hendri and Hj Wet and families. H Hendri and his family have given their donation for the two mosques construction. “One mosque will be built in the 3rd campus in Bukuttinggi with a total budget of 2 Billion. The other mosque construction was established in the 4th campus of Payakumbuh with a 1,5 Billion budget. The target of these two mosques can be functionalized in this Ramadan,” he said on Thursday.

In his remarks, Ramlan Nurmatias highly appreciated H Hendri and Wh Wet and families who have been donated by fully supporting the two mosques’ construction in Bukittinggi and Payakumbuh. “It was amazing and had to be waited by the campus and local communities. I hope what was donated by H. Hendri and Hj Wet and families will be awarded a reward from Allah,” said Ramlan, also UMSB alumni.

He also appreciated UMSB development for several years. Education would be a priority program for the Bukittinggi government. Undoubtedly, the development of the UMSB institution in Bukittinggi would bring a good name for Bukittinggi city in education. “What we had done aimed to the wider community. Our wholly support for UMSB,” he said.

To have collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) is a good deed, but the most important thing is to realize it. Because if it was only the MoU and MoA signing and not being followed up by actualization, it is ineffectual. That was the statement from Dr. Rustamadji, MSi, the Rector of UNIMUDA Sorong, for the signing the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with six Muhammadiyah Higher Education Institutions (MHEI)s in South Sulawesi province, Wednesday (24/02).

The six MHEIs which collaborated with UNIMUDA Sorong includes Universitas Muhammadiyah Sinjai, Universitas Muhammadiyah Bone, Universitas Muhammadiyah Bulukumba, Universitas Muhammadiyah Enrekang, STKIP Muhammadiyah Barru dan Institut Teknologi Kesehatan Sains Muhammadiyah Sidrap.

Rustamadji assumed that collaborative works should be proved by real action. “If it is only a sign and document archives and there is no real evidence of a piece of work, it would not be beneficial for everyone. After this agenda, we should go back to our Universities and directly realize the agreement,” he said.

Muhammadiyah Universities should be responsive in carrying out the duties, to produce adaptive resources towards the current needs, demands, and trends occurring in the real world, especially the business and industrial world demands (DUDI). “In the management theory, a leader should think far ahead, have more strategic thought, and have a good arrangement in the institution’s progress,” Transformation Figures of 2019 Republika added. [] Diktilitbang

The President of Muhammadiyah Central Board, Prof Haedar Nashir, expected that Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang (UMS Rappang) became the facilitator of Ummatan Wasathan ‘Moderate Community’. That was a highlight from Prof Haedar Nashir as a keynote speaker in Tabligh Akbar (mass religious meeting) of the 2nd Anniversary Commemoration of UMS Rappang conducted virtually.

“We expect that UMS Rappang keep disseminating the good deeds in the communities, to be Ummatan Washatan to combine the movement and vision in harmony in actualizing the Muhammadiyah ideals, which is to create the true Muslim community,” Haedar Nashir said, Thursday (18/02). Moreover, in the agenda, Haedar Nashir also retraced and reminded the struggle of Muhammadiyah figures, including KH Ahmad Dahlan, AR Fachruddin, and many others in establishing the foundation and providing Muhammadiyah services. He also prompted the Muhammadiyah cadres to abide by the ten characters of Muhammadiyah daily.

“Undoubtedly, Prof Ambo Asse, the Rector of Unismuh Makassar, and Dr Jamaluddin Ahmad, the Rector of UMS Rappang currently experienced the pleasure and sadness in carrying Muhammadiyah duties out. I prompt to keep disseminating the good deeds. To be criticized is normal. Because to ‘establish’ something require sacrifice and takes a long time. If we compare it with the destruction, it can finish in a very short time,” he said.

Moreover, Prof Haedar Nashir also reminded all Muhammadiyah cadres, especially UMS Rappang academic civitas, to build the system. In his opinion, people in Muhammadiyah da’wah would come and go. However, it indeed has the final destination. “That is why Khittah ‘the way’ and Muhammadiyah identity should be maintained and applied by Muhammadiyah communities,” Haedar Nashir said. As reported, Tabligh Akbar was also attended by Muhammadiyah Province Board of South Sulawesi, Prof Ambo Asse, accompanied by Muhammadiyah South Sulawesi figures, the Rector of UMS Rappang, Dr Jamalauddin Ahmad, and the academic civitas in its local campus.  [] UMSRappang / Diktilitbang

To elevate the education quality, a higher education institution should enlarge the networking in various elements to combine all potency for nations’ improvement. Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang (Unimus) has been agreed to collaborate with Universitas Ivet Semarang (Unisvet) and Universitas Islam Sultan Agung Semarang (Unissula) on Tuesday (23/02).

Located in the Rectorate Meeting Room with a strict health protocol, The three universities’ leaders, Unimus, Unisvet, and Unissula, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of collaboration. On this occasion, Unimus was directly represented by Prof. Dr. Masrukhi, M.Pd (the Rector), Unisvet was represented by Prof. Dr. Rustono, M.Hum (the Rector), and Unissula was represented by Dr. Umar Ma’ruf, S.H., Sp.N., M.Hum (the Vice-Rector I).

In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Masrukhi, M.Pd explained that Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang collaboration aimed to strengthen the institutional quality among collaborating parties. ”The support from Unisvet and Unissula will contribute to the education quality improvement in Unimus, including education and teaching program, research, and community service,” said the Rector of UM Semarang.

In March 2021, Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah have 165 higher education institutions under the provision of Muhammadiyah Diktilitbang Council. Several universities have the most extensive study programs than others. The number of study programs is one kind of the diversity of academic programs studied by the cadres of the Muhammadiyah association.

The existing study programs are divided into D1, D3, D4, Profession program, S1 Specialist, S1, S2, to S3 levels. The following is the list of Muhammadiyah universities with the most significant study programs, summarized from the 2020 Forlap Dikti:

1.Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (77)

Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta is a higher education institution under the Muhammadiyah association. UMS was established based on the Decree of the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Number 0330/O/1981 dated October 24, 1981. It is a transformation from IKIP Muhammadiyah Surakarta to the university that, nowadays, has the most extensive study programs in Indonesia.

In December 2020, UMS was recorded to have 77 study programs divided into several faculties and levels of education.

2.Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (70)

Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) has recently been ranked as one of the best Islamic universities in the world, according to Unirank’s version. In addition, UMM has become the pride of the Malang campus and is also one of Muhammadiyah Higher Education Institution (PTM) with the most extensive study programs.

In December 2020, UMS was recorded to have 70 study programs divided into several faculties and levels of education.

3.Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto (57)

Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto (UMP) is a transformation from IKIP Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, which was established on April 5, 1965. Based on the Decree of the Director General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Culture Number 345/DIKTI/Kep/1995 dated July 26, 1995, IKIP Muhammadiyah Purwokerto changed to Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto.

In December 2020, UMP recorded 57 study programs divided into several faculties and levels of education.

4.Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (55)

Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) is one of the oldest and largest private universities in Indonesia. Located in South Tangerang, UMJ now has quite a lot of study programs.

In December 2020, UMJ was recorded to have 55 study programs divided into several faculties and levels of education.

5.Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar (54)

Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar (Unismuh Makassar) is one of the largest private universities in eastern Indonesia. Nowadays, UM Makassar continues to develop in various aspects, one of which is the study program.

In December 2020, UM Makassar was recorded to have 54 study programs divided into several faculties and levels of education.

The data was processed from Higher Education Institution Data Base Center 2000

Online Courses of Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (UNISA) Yogyakarta invited three foreign Universities comprised University of Leeds (England), Nagasaki University (Japan), and Taiwan International Healthcare Training Center (TIHTC) (Taiwan). The online courses were held on Monday (22/02) and conducted in 3 days, as in 22, 24, 26 February 2021.

Andari Wuri AStuti, S.Si.T., M.P.H., Ph.D., the Head of Midwifery Master Program in Unisa Yogyakarta, explained the Online Courses were a part of the International Practice Project (IPP), especially for the 7th batch of Midwifery Master Program.

As reported on the UNISA site, IPP was a required competence for the Midwifery Magister program of UNISA Yogyakarta to conduct comparative studies about maternity and health in foreign countries. Generally, IPP was conducted to send the students to the overseas community collaborating with UNISA Yogya.

“Recently, the IPP was conducted online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I hope the pandemic will end soon and we can visit Nagasaki University offline,” said Andari, on the opening ceremony that started with Nagasaki University.

Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) has a new professor since Dr Waston, MHum received the Decree of Professor in Religious Studies and Philosophy. The submission of the Ministerial Decree of the Indonesian Ministry from Education and Culture Number 140398/MPK/KP/2020 about the Promotion of Academic Functional Position for Lecturer as a Professor by the Head of Institute for the Higher Education Service (LLDIKTI) Regional VI Central Java, Prof Dr. Ir. Muhammad Zainuri DEA in SIti Walidah UMS building, Monday (22/02).

Prof. Dr. Waston became the 25th professor of UMS and became the first professor in the Faculty of Islamic Studies. The Head of LLDIKTI, Prof. Dr. Ir. Zainuri DEA explained the importance of the Higher Education Database (PPDIKTI) to create qualified higher education institutions in real-time. He also expected other UMS doctoral lecturers would follow.

Prof. Dr. Musa Asy’arie, as the Chairman of the Doctoral Program of Islamic Studies UMS and Prof. Waston mentor, hoped he could immediately continue the leadership in the Islamic Studies Department. He also expected that Prof Waston could strengthen the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FAI) UMS due to the higher education level, starting from Bachelor program to Doctoral in Islamic Studies. “With Prof Waston promotion, the Faculty of Islamic Studies has completed its requirement. Moreover, in three years, the Doctoral Program UMS could graduate four doctors, and the department’s secretary has been promoted to be a professor. I hope he can continue the department’s leadership to be the Chairman of Islamic Studies Doctoral Degree to replace my place,” said Prof. Dr. Musa Asy’arie.

On the same occasion, Prof Dr. Waston expected that all lecturers in the Islamic Studies Faculty immediately prepare their Professor promotion accompanied by Human Resource Development Agency (BPSDM) UMS to provide all preparation. “Starting from now, the new lecturer could prepare the document for career development and expect in 12 years, there will be lecturers promotion as Professors as their fields,” said Prof Waston.

Located in Kalibagor Village, Kalibagor District, Banyumas Regency, the first Pertashop was opened, Tuesday (16/02). The Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto (UMP), Dr Jebul Suroso explained that this first step would be UMP’s encouragement to develop the village economy; however, the second purpose would be in the business aspect. “We expect that a lot of benefits will be achieved for the nearby community, and the flow of information was getting stronger,” said the Rector.

The selection of Kalibagor village due to the strategic location becomes a massive alternative route. Therefore, it was expected that the economy of the village community would increase. The Pertamina also determined the area in developing pertashop unit. The Rector of UMP explained that they were ready to collaborate with Pertamina to support pertashop development. Therefore, it was not limited to one location but also spread to the broader community.

Moreover, Banyumas Regent, Achmad Husein, who attended the grand opening of pertashop in Kalibagor explained that the pertashop was completed with motorcycle wash, Caffe, and a mosque that could absorb the workforce. It can be beneficial for the wider community. “I fully support the pertashop program in the villages. If it is needed, all villages will have pertashop to assist the community in the fuel needs,” said Achmad.

Sales Branch Manager of Pertamina Regional IV Cilacap, Andeka Sangtraga Hutapriya, said they targeted six pertashop establishments in their working areas every month, including Banyumas-Cilacap. However, the location survey and business development plan should be prepared to prevent bankruptcy and organize as expected.

“Currently, pertashop becomes a partnership program with an internal mechanism between the partner and the village government. It was expected to run well, and the nearby community will gain the benefits,” he said.

In Banyumas, nine pertashops had operated, and they were all well developed. UMP would keep motivating the development of the village economy.

The achievements of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo (UMSIDA) students have increased. This year, Umsida has achieved 119 medals in the Indonesia Science Competition (KSI) 2021 at the National level. It was conducted by the Indonesian Science Olympic Training (POSI). The online competition was followed by a hundred participants from state and private universities in Indonesia simultaneously on Sunday (14/02).

Umsida succeeded to bag 119 medals with eight gold medals, 28 silver medals, and 83 bronze. The Head of Student Affairs Umsida, Syahrul Ardiansyah, explained the current achievement of Umsida students has increased. “Alhamdulillah, in the competition, Umsida student achievements have significantly elevated. In the previous year, Umsida had bagged 28 medals, however in the current year, we succeeded to bag 119 medals,” said Syahrul.

Syahrul also expected that the achievement could encourage the students and become positive inputs when they graduate. “The achievement is inseparable from the role of all UM Sidoarjo academic civitas. It includes the lecturers and departments that assist their students,” he said.

The Rector of UM Sidoarjo, Dr Hidayatulloh, MSi explained that all students were given the same opportunity to follow the various competitions, academically and non-academically. “Especially, we encourage them to follow national and international competitions or Olympic. Those who have achievements will award the reward from UM Sidoarjo, and it will be acknowledged in the complementary document of the Bachelor’s certificate (SKPI),” he said. He explained that, for UM Sidoarjo, the student achievements could raise points in the assessment, including the department or institutional accreditation, the campus ranking by the Ministry of Education and Culture, and the Excellent Campus Awards by LLDIKTI Regional 7.