In Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) era, Higher Education Institutions are demanded to build networkings in industries, government, and foreign and home higher institutions. “It should be conducted a while ago, but in the MBKM era, building networks is inevitable,” said Prof Edy Suandi Hamid, the Deputy Chair of Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (CHERD). That was the statement from Prof Edy delivered in the Leadership Training forum of UM Metro, Tuesday (08/02). The agenda was also attended by the Chairman of Muhammadiyah Regional Board of Lampung, Prof Marzuki; the Chairman of ‘Aisyiyah Regional Board of Lampung, Dra Nurjannah Baharudin; the Rector of UM Metro, Drs Jazim Ahmad MPd; all boards in UM Metro, UM Lampung, and STIH Kalianda.
By the high demand for networking, the Rector, for example, should not only sit behind the desk, sign papers, deliver speeches, and attend the meeting and invitation. “The Rector should travel a lot, build communication, conduct promotion, and look for support to develop the campus. Moreover, the networks should have a clear contribution to the campus,” said Prof Edy.
He added that a leader, besides being trustworthy, should be ready to be criticized or even bullied. “So if you are afraid to be censured or criticized, do not become a leader. Because the policies of a leader can not satisfy all people. People who disagree would give censure. A leader should be ready,” said Prof Edy S Hamid on the agenda that invited the Chairman of ASKUI of MHEI, Yordan Gunawan, and Financial Expertise of UMY, Dr Rudi Suryanto.
On this occasion, the Rector of UM Metro, Drs Jazim Ahmad mentioned his activities in traveling various cities in Java to have an agreement in MoU, learn by the prominent MHEIs, comprise UM Malang and UM Yogyakarta. “By the visitation to Jogja, we have waqf in landform from Major General (Purn) Mulhim Asyrof of 3,600 m2. It will support the UM Metro development that requires a site to construct in Metro,” said the Rector of UM Metro.
