The Graduate School of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) and Universitas Samudra (UNSAM) in Langsa, Aceh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in implementing the Tri Dharma of higher education. The signing ceremony took place on Monday (April 13) in the VIP Room of the UMSU campus on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
The event began with an official welcome, followed by the signing of the MoU between UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP and Universitas Samudra Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Hamdani, M.T., IPM. The ceremony concluded with a group photo session and the exchange of souvenirs as a symbol of strengthened institutional ties.
Rector of Universitas Samudra, Prof. Dr. Ir. Hamdani, M.T., IPM, expressed his appreciation for the warm reception extended by UMSU.
“We are very grateful for the warm and friendly welcome. Universitas Samudra was originally a private institution before becoming a public university in 2013,” he explained.
He acknowledged that Universitas Samudra still has much to learn from UMSU and emphasized the need for collaboration to enhance the quality of education services for future generations.
The UNSAM Rector hopes the partnership will focus on the agricultural sector, which has a direct impact on the people of Aceh.
“We hope UMSU can collaborate in advancing agriculture to help revitalize this sector through research, academic programs, and community service,” he said.
He also highlighted the institution’s close ties with Muhammadiyah and expressed optimism that this collaboration would strengthen institutional relations in the spirit of the organization.
Furthermore, he expressed hope that UMSU could provide recommendations for the planned establishment of a Faculty of Medicine, while also encouraging the implementation of the partnership through concrete programs in student affairs, research, and community service.
Earlier, UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP welcomed the visit and emphasized that the collaboration should go beyond the signing of a document, particularly at the graduate school level.
“We hope that UMSU and Universitas Samudra will continue to grow together. This relationship should not stop at the MoU stage, but must be followed by concrete programs, including undergraduate (S1) collaboration and other dynamic academic activities,” he stated.
Prof. Agussani described Universitas Samudra as a source of pride for the people of Aceh and a strategic partner for UMSU in advancing higher education.
He emphasized that international recognition and strengthened collaboration are essential elements in the development of modern universities. He also noted that the human resource potential at Universitas Samudra could become a shared strength for mutual institutional growth.
On this occasion, the Rector also introduced the latest developments at UMSU, including the construction of an integrated campus in preparation for hosting the Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Congress (Muktamar) in 2027.
“We use this meeting to strengthen our ties. There are many opportunities for collaboration, and we are grateful that this relationship benefits both institutions. Hopefully, what we do today will receive Allah’s blessings,” he said.
He also reaffirmed that UMSU is an inclusive institution open to people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds, noting that students from Aceh represent one of the largest student groups at the university.
The event was attended by UMSU Vice Rector I Prof. Muhammad Arifin, M.Hum; Vice Rector II Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd; Vice Director of Graduate School Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adi Mansar, S.H., M.Hum; heads of graduate study programs; bureau heads; BSTI Chair Yoshida Sary, S.E., S.Kom., M.Kom; OIC Chair Rafieqah Nalar Rizky, M.A. and team; as well as UNSAM Vice Rector III Dr. Ir. Nasruddin, S.T., M.T and delegation.
The signing of this MoU is expected to foster sustainable synergy between the two universities in improving the quality of higher education, expanding academic networks, and contributing meaningfully to community development, particularly in North Sumatra and Aceh.
