A total of 4,125 students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) participated in the first cohort of the 2025 Baitul Arqam Mahasiswa (BAM). The opening ceremony was held on Saturday (11/10) at the UMSU Auditorium, Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
Unlike previous years when the program was held off campus, this year’s activities took place over two days within the campus environment.
BAM is a mandatory agenda aimed at building character and strengthening Muhammadiyah ideology among new students.
The event was officially opened by the Chairman of the UMSU Board of Trustees (BPH), Dr. H. Bahril Datuk, M.M. In his remarks, he explained that BAM is an integral part of Islamic character development and cadre formation within the Muhammadiyah community.
“The purpose of BAM is character building, deepening religious ideology, strengthening discipline, and enhancing understanding of worship. Within Muhammadiyah, BAM is a cadre formation process. Today marks your first step in becoming part of the Muhammadiyah movement,” Bahril said.
He added that through BAM, students will learn to develop consistency in worship and build positive daily habits.
“Through BAM, you will be taught to be steadfast in worship and develop good habits,” he concluded.
Earlier, Vice Rector I, Prof. Muhammad Arifin, M.Hum, stated in his speech that the rapid advancement of information technology has significantly transformed human life. However, he noted that technology can only enhance intellectual capabilities, while emotional and spiritual aspects cannot be shaped by technology.
“The information technology revolution has penetrated every part of our lives. Its intellectual impact is extraordinary. But remember, technology shapes only the intellectual aspect—emotional and spiritual dimensions cannot be developed by it,” Prof. Arifin said.
He emphasized that true success is determined not merely by intellectual ability, but by strong spiritual and emotional foundations.
“Eighty percent of what determines our success is spiritual and emotional strength. That is why UMSU consistently holds BAM—to build character values that technology cannot teach, such as honesty, empathy, and devotion to Allah. These are what shape our lives until the hereafter,” he added.
According to him, BAM is a concrete effort by the university to instill Islamic character values in its students.
“Take part in BAM as seriously as possible. Don’t underestimate it, because these values will later be deepened through the Al-Islam and Muhammadiyah Studies courses that distinguish UMSU from other universities,” he advised.
BAM is expected to produce a young generation that excels academically while also possessing strong faith, good character, and a spirit of service aligned with Muhammadiyah values.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Chair of the Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan Board (BIM) UMSU, Dr. Nur Rahmah Amini, M.Ag, the Deans and Vice Deans of all faculties, and the Head of the Student Affairs Bureau, Dr. Radiman, SE., M.Si.
