Muhammadiyah Higher Education, Research, and Development Council (Diktilitbang) held Tadarus Ramadan 1442 H with the theme “Towards Academic Excellence” online, Friday (23/04). The agenda was planned to come about in three series every Friday night with three different topics. “The aim of the agenda is not only to increase silaturahim’ friendship’ but also to encourage the vision and conception of PTMA leaders. It is essential to maintain the trust towards academic excellence in PTMA leaders,” said Prof. Edy Suandi Hamid as Deputy Chair of Muhammadiyah Diktilitbang Council.
Academic Excellence is one of the taglines of the Muhammadiyah Diktilitbang Council. Prof. Edy Suandi Hamid also emphasized that one of the goals of the Muhammadiyah Diktilitbang Council is to create superior, excellence, and progressive Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah Higher Education Institution (PTMA). “Another purpose is to develop insight and become an alternative step for PTMA towards academic excellence,” he said.
Also present as a speaker, Amich Alhumami, Ph.D., delivered the theme “The Policy Directions for the Development of Indonesian Higher Education.” In his presentation, the Director of Religion, Education and Culture of Bappenas RI ‘National Development Planning Agency’ emphasized that education is the nation’s strategic agenda and becomes the context of national development. The issue of education is one of the main pillars that will determine the quality and competitiveness of Indonesia. Thus, a boost in human capital is needed. “Economic progress and achievements are correlated with human capital investment,” he explained. The high economic achievement will align with how much a country provides innovation in its human capital.
Prof. Suyanto, Ph.D., in his presentation, explained from a different perspective. Bringing the theme of “The Future of Indonesian Higher Education, “the UMY Professor explained that the phenomenon of Information Technology advances and today’s revolution is indeed unpredictable. “COVID-19 phenomenon is one lesson for our Universities to change their learning method by using technological advances,” he said. The internal conditions, including regulations and socio-economic conditions, are currently the face of higher education in the future.
