Chairman of the Sharia Supervisory Board of PT Danamon Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Din Syamsuddin, MA, officially inaugurated the Mini Bank Laboratory, a collaboration between UMSU and Danamon Syariah. The inauguration took place on Thursday (August 7) at the Faculty of Economics and Business courtyard, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
The inauguration was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, and PT Bank Danamon Indonesia’s Director of Sharia and Sustainable Finance, Herry Hykmantako. The event was attended by Head of Sharia Funding Business PT Bank Danamon, Merci Santi Adriani; PT Danamon Regional Head, Riana Sugiat; Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership of North Sumatra (PWM Sumut); UMSU Board of Trustees (BPH); Vice Rectors; faculty leaders; and students.
In his remarks, Prof. Din expressed high appreciation for UMSU’s rapid development—not only in physical infrastructure, but also in its innovation and creativity.
“The establishment of this Mini Bank will serve as a learning laboratory for students of the Faculty of Islamic Studies (Sharia Banking Program) and the Faculty of Economics and Business, while also benefiting other students more broadly,” he said.
Prof. Din, who also served as Chairman of Muhammadiyah’s Central Board (2005–2015), noted that mini banks already exist at Muhammadiyah universities in Sidoarjo and Malang.
“This is the third one among Muhammadiyah universities, although UMSU has actually had one for quite some time. I hope this can be the foundation for establishing UMSU’s own bank in the future,” he emphasized.
According to him, the Mini Bank has the potential to grow into “Bank UMSU,” which could manage and organize the university’s financial ecosystem. With the internal development supported by Danamon Syariah, UMSU could become a model for other Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah universities across Indonesia. He also reaffirmed Danamon Syariah’s commitment to upholding halal and sharia principles.
On this occasion, Prof. Din also encouraged synergy between UMSU, PWM Sumut, and Danamon Syariah to pave the way for a Muhammadiyah-based Sharia Bank that strengthens the people’s economy.
“I also pray that the 49th Muhammadiyah Congress, to be held in North Sumatra and Medan, will become a moment of pride—especially with the development of UMSU’s integrated campus in Deli Serdang,” he added.
Earlier, UMSU Rector Prof. Agussani expressed his gratitude for the collaboration:
“Thank you, Prof. Din and Bank Danamon, for your trust. This Mini Bank will be a learning facility and a driver of sharia economic development on campus. We look forward to a mutually beneficial collaboration that provides valuable feedback in financial management and creates meaningful impact for our students’ learning process,” he said.
He explained that the Mini Bank Laboratory was first established in 2016 in collaboration with PT Bank Mandiri Syariah until 2018, later continued with PT BRI Syariah from 2019–2021. However, due to the merger of banks, the mini bank became inactive until 2025. With the renewed partnership with Danamon Syariah, the Mini Bank has now been relaunched as a professional student practice laboratory.
“We are truly grateful, Prof. Din, that through this collaboration with Danamon, our Mini Bank can be further strengthened,” he said.
Prof. Agussani also highlighted that the Mini Bank is housed at the Faculty of Islamic Studies, as UMSU offers two programs—Sharia Management and Sharia Banking.
“At the international level, 22 of our study programs have achieved Excellent status, and four of them already hold international accreditation,” he noted.
Regarding preparations for Muhammadiyah’s 49th Congress, the Rector reported that piling work for the congress venue will be completed this year, and he sought Prof. Din’s support and guidance to ensure its success in 2027.
Meanwhile, Danamon Syariah Director Herry stated that this collaboration is the beginning of a greater mission.
“Thank you, Rector, for this opportunity. Hopefully this marks the start of a major mission ahead. Danamon is ready to support UMSU in banking and student development. We hope this collaboration will be beneficial for students and serve as a model partnership between banks and universities,” he said.
He added that the Mini Bank Laboratory is more than just a system—it is an entry point for students into the banking world.
“In terms of digitalization, we are ready to support UMSU in digitizing its systems, strengthening student development, and advancing international accreditation,” he explained.
The inauguration also featured the official handover of the Mini Bank management structure, symbolically conducted by UMSU Faculty of Islamic Studies Dean, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qorib, MA, to UMSU Mini Bank Manager, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rahmayati, M.E.I., marking the readiness of its management under UMSU in partnership with Danamon Syariah.
