The decree was presented during the launch of 24 Specialist Medical Education Programs (PPDS) within Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (PTMA), held at the UMY Student Dormitory on Friday (February 13).
In his remarks, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, Brian, emphasized that since its establishment, Muhammadiyah has positioned education and healthcare as forms of social worship and tangible service to the الأمة and the nation. According to him, the establishment of Faculties of Medicine (FK) and Muhammadiyah–‘Aisyiyah Hospitals (RSMA) reflects the Progressive Islamic Movement, which addresses contemporary challenges through knowledge, sound governance, and collective action.
“This is no small step—not just one, but 24 PPDS programs launched today. This is a major milestone,” he stated.
Brian stressed that this achievement must be accompanied by a strong commitment to maintaining and improving quality. He urged all PPDS administrators to ensure that academic standards and clinical services remain at the highest level so these programs can become national benchmarks.
“Quality must be maintained and continuously improved. We must not fall short when evaluations are conducted,” he asserted.
He also underscored the importance of preserving the primary mission of specialist medical education as a form of service, rather than merely a space for commercialization. If the primary goal is to produce competent and dedicated specialists, financial sustainability will follow as a consequence—not as the main objective.
“If material gain is the sole pursuit, other values are often lost. But if the intention is to produce doctors who serve wholeheartedly, prosperity will follow,” he explained.
Beyond academic strengthening, Brian encouraged Muhammadiyah to develop internationally recognized healthcare centers within RSMA. He noted that Indonesia has significant potential to become a regional healthcare destination.
On the same occasion, he also acknowledged the contribution of dr. Corona Rintawan, one of the initiators of the Indonesia Emergency Medical Team, which became the first WHO-verified Muhammadiyah Emergency Medical Team in Indonesia on October 19, 2025. Figures with such dedication, he said, serve as inspiration for advancing medical education within PTMA.
“We need individuals with strong determination to advance the field of medicine and serve the nation,” he added.
The launch of these 24 PPDS programs marks an important first step for PTMA in producing specialist doctors who excel not only in competence but also in integrity, empathy, and a spirit of service in their profession.
The Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, expressed gratitude for the official launch of the 24 PPDS programs, including those at UMSU.
“The development of these specialist programs is expected to contribute significantly to meeting Indonesia’s demand for specialist doctors,” he stated, accompanied by Vice Rector II Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) dr. Siti Masliana Siregar, Sp.THT-KL., Subsp.Rino(K), and Vice Dean I FKIK UMSU dr. Rahmanita Sinaga, M.Ked(OG), Sp.OG.
FKIK UMSU holds Excellent Accreditation for its Undergraduate Medical and Medical Profession programs. The faculty also manages a Master’s Program in Biomedical Sciences and the Family Medicine Program (KKLP), and is developing specialist programs in Surgery, Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Pediatrics, and Surgical Sciences.
