Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) served as the host for the leadership symposium of the Muhammadiyah Student Association (IMM). The event, themed “Taking Action to Advance Indonesia,” was attended by representatives from over 22 regional boards (DPD) across Indonesia and was held at the UMSU Auditorium on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan, on Friday (July 11).
In his opening remarks, UMSU Vice Rector III, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si, expressed appreciation for IMM’s presence.
“You’ve come to the right place because in 2027, UMSU will host the 49th Muhammadiyah Congress,” he said.
He added that IMM is the backbone of the student movement.
“We are proud because IMM cadres continue to achieve, including winning the PPK Ormawa, PKM funding, and other national programs,” stated the Vice Rector.
Previously, Chairman of IMM’s Central Board (DPP), Rian Betra Delza, highlighted the importance of renewal. He stated that IMM must remain relevant at all times, even “at least one day before the end of the world.” This means the leadership process must remain alive.
“Our leadership system now is like a vintage Vespa—you have to hit it to get it running. We need to upgrade it to a fuel injection system. We need cadres who are not only smart, but also successful and empowered,” he said.
Then, the Chairman of IMM’s North Sumatra Regional Board, Rahmat Taufik Parde, said the National Leadership Symposium was a decisive moment that would shape IMM’s leadership direction for the next 5 to 10 years.
“One of the things I’m most grateful for as an IMM cadre is being given the opportunity by UMSU and together with my fellow IMM North Sumatra board members to make this symposium a success,” he said.
The organizing committee chair, Ihya Rizki, delivered the technical report:
“We came here with nothing but ideas and enthusiasm. Everything else has been provided by Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara.”
Meanwhile, IMM alumnus Putrama Al Khairi emphasized the importance of expanding the cadre spectrum.
“What we’re lacking—and I hope this symposium addresses—is how to produce economic powerhouses from the community. Let’s replace the so-called ‘nine dragons’ with one of our own—say, a hajj from IMM,” he remarked.
Then, the Vice Chairman of Muhammadiyah’s North Sumatra Regional Leadership Board (PWM), Mario Kasduri, M.A., expressed hope that IMM could fulfill the three cadre dimensions: cadres for the Muhammadiyah organization, the Muslim community (ummah), and the nation.
“We must be pioneers, sustainers, and perfecters of the Muhammadiyah movement. This symposium is highly strategic because it will shape Muhammadiyah’s direction for the next 25 years,” he said.
Following this, a public lecture was delivered by the Special Staff of the Ministry of Education and Culture for Primary and Secondary Education, Arif Jamali Muis, M.Pd. In his presentation, he emphasized that IMM is a kawah candradimuka (a crucible for transformation) for Muhammadiyah cadres. Therefore, the leadership system must be adaptive to the times.
“If we want to raise a strong generation, then leadership development must be carried out by people who are pious and speak the truth (qaulan sadidan),” he said.
He also recommended IMM initiate three types of diaspora:
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Human resource diaspora—IMM members spreading into all sectors;
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Program diaspora—IMM initiatives reaching public spaces;
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Intellectual diaspora—IMM generating ideas that enlighten the nation.
