Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) as the host of the National Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) for the Academic Affairs of Muhammadiyah -Aisyiyah Colleges (PTMA) leaders in 2022. Successfully held, Tuesday-Thursday (24-26/5) at Four Point Hotel – Jl . Gatot Subroto No. 395, Medan City.
After almost 2.5 years, the National Coordination Meeting was not held due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The National Coordination Meeting was held in Medan City for the first time after the pandemic, with UMSU as the host. Along with the procession of reappointment of Prof. Agussani to lead UMSU.
This National Coordination Meeting discussed several policies, and the main issues faced by PTMA, such as independent accreditation institutions, MBKM, strategies to build higher education institutions to the problems faced by each PTMA.
By the mandate conveyed by the Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, Prof. Dr. Haedar Nashir, M.Si regarding the Role of PTMA in Building Public Civilization and Democratic Maturity Towards Civil Society.
Presenting speakers from the PP Muhammadiyah Diktilitbang Council, the Indonesian Directorate General of Diktiristek and several Chancellors at PTMA. Including from UMSU, WR III Asocc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si was also a resource person regarding the Acceleration of Increasing Scientific Publications in Reputable Journals on the second day of the National Coordination Meeting.
This National Coordination Meeting was considered the most lively because it was attended by 156 participants, namely the Chancellor or ranks from 172 Muhammadiyah -Aisyiyah Colleges (PTMA).
UMSU Chancellor Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP was represented at the opening ceremony by WR III UMSU Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si, welcomed the participants from various regions throughout Indonesia.
“Welcome all participants to the National Coordination Meeting in Medan City, North Sumatra. A city where the people are pluralist and very diverse. So it is very appropriate for all PTMA participants from all over Indonesia to come to Medan City in the context of diversity,” said Prof Rudianto, Tuesday (24/5).
UMSU provides top services and facilities to participants, so that the National Coordination Meeting runs well. The National Coordination Meeting was opened directly by the Chairman of the PP Muhammadiyah Diktilitbang Council, Prof. Lincoln Arsyad, Ph.D. In the opening, he talked about UMSU and PTMA.
Prof. Lincolin also praised the figure of Prof. Agussani who doesn’t talk too much but works a lot, so according to him this attitude needs to be imitated. “If I appreciate his achievements, I think it’s natural to start with the medical faculty and its increasing accreditation,” he said.
Furthermore, Prof. Lincolin said that there are currently 172 Muhammadiyah Aisyiyah Universities (PTMA) spread throughout Indonesia, in areas requiring higher education. According to him, the role of PTMA needs to be increased because the Directorate General of Diktiristek RI has considered the existence of PTMA as superior in education.
“Never hesitate to learn from each other and work together between universities,” he said.
He also advised that Muhammadiyah Aisyiyah Higher Education should be a leader, not just to make things happen. Especially in the field of information systems and technology, Prof. Lincolin said that every university currently needs to expand information systems study programs and support the learning process using technology systems.
“I suggest that all Muhammadiyah Aisyiyah universities that do not yet have an information systems study program or whatever, should be made immediately because in the future it will become an important part,” he said at the opening of the National Coordination Meeting. (Pny)
