A total of 450 participants attended the National Working Meeting (Rakernas) of the Council for Higher Education, Research and Development (CHERD) of the Muhammadiyah Central Board, Tuesday (02/05). At the same occasion, UM Surabaya launched the Faculty of Dentistry with the support of the Governor of East Java, Drs Hj Khofifah Indar Parawansa MSi. “UM Surabaya highly appreciates the Governor of East Java for not discriminating against any higher education institutions, both public and private,” said the Rector of UM Surabaya, Dr. dr. Sukadiono, MM, in his remarks. He also introduced Kalimas water tourism which Rakernas participants can enjoy.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the CHERD, Prof. Dr. Bambang Setiaji hoped that big and small higher education institutions could collaborate and accelerate in order to be excellent institutions. He also mentioned several featured programs of CHERD, including; PTMA dalam Genggaman (MHEIs from the palm of your hand) program; 5000 Doctoral program, 100,000 Publications in Reputable Scientific Journals program; Strengthening MHEIs; and Strengthening and Integration of Islam and Muhammadiyah studies (AIK) in various Learning Programs for MHEIs. “In the 2022-2027 period, the CHERD’s flagship programs will not only focus on publications. But also implementing AIK in each MHEIs,” he said.
The Governor of East Java, Drs Hj Khofifah Indar Parawansa MSi in her remarks mentioned that higher education institutions have a competitive role in increasing the competition and innovation of the Indonesian. “The 171 MHEIs can create considerable opportunities to improve Indonesia’s ranking. It can be in research, innovation, and creative works,” she said. She also hoped that MHEIs could collaborate with each other to improve the quality of education.
The President of Muhammadiyah Central Board, Prof Dr H Haedar Nashir MSi explained to realize the progressive Islam and Muhammadiyah, we should begin with the construction of thoughts so that it becomes progressive. “Religion, Pancasila, and culture are the foundation for progress. And Muhammadiyah is the pioneer of the renewal movement. Also, the Treatise on Progressive Islam (read: Risalah Islam Berkemajuan) has a broad context in responding to the dynamics of time,” he said.
