Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) held a ceremony to commemorate National Awakening Day 2026, led by Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., and attended by hundreds of lecturers and staff members.
The ceremony, held at the university’s main campus on Kapten Mukhtar Basri Street, Medan, on Wednesday (May 20), featured the announcement of a salary increase for employees, as well as the presentation of motorcycles and the continuation of BPJS Health insurance contributions for retired staff. The Rector’s announcement was warmly welcomed by lecturers and employees attending the event.
In his address, Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd. emphasized that National Awakening Day serves as an important reminder of the nation’s collective responsibility to safeguard Indonesia’s sovereignty while preparing future generations.
“National Awakening Day reminds us of our responsibility to the nation. The birth of the Budi Utomo movement inspired Indonesians to unite against colonial rule,” he said.
According to the Rector, this year’s theme, “Nurturing the Nation’s Future for National Sovereignty,” carries a powerful message that aligns closely with the mission of higher education in shaping future generations.
“This theme is forward-looking and highly relevant. We must nurture the next generation to preserve our nation’s sovereignty through mutual cooperation and a spirit of togetherness. Let us strengthen our solidarity, improve literacy, and move forward together,” he added.
During the ceremony, Prof. Akrim also highlighted four key pillars that guide UMSU’s development in line with the spirit of National Awakening Day:
- Sense of Belonging
- Sense of Responsibility
- Sense of Collaboration
- Sense of Vision
“A strong sense of ownership and responsibility encourages us to protect, nurture, and develop UMSU. Collaboration enables us to work together effectively amid our dynamic diversity,” he explained.
On this occasion, the Rector honored four employees entering retirement:
- Dra. Yunida, after 31 years of service;
- Herryanto, after 30 years of service;
- Juli Dartin Siregar, S.H., after 37 years of service; and
- Julianisyah Pohan, S.E., after 37 years of service.
As a token of appreciation, each retiree received a Honda Beat motorcycle, while UMSU also committed to continuing their BPJS Health insurance contributions.
“We present each retired employee with a Honda Beat motorcycle and continued BPJS contributions as a gesture of appreciation. We hope this recognition will inspire and motivate our active employees,” said the Rector.
Despite current global geopolitical challenges, Prof. Akrim expressed confidence that UMSU will continue to grow by upholding humanistic values and social responsibility.
“We remain committed to being compassionate, inclusive, and optimistic because social care is one of our core values,” he stated.
The Rector also expressed optimism about this year’s student admissions, targeting 5,000 to 6,000 new students.
In addition, as part of the university’s commitment to employee welfare, UMSU announced a salary increase effective May 2026. The Rector encouraged the entire academic community to continuously improve the quality of services provided to students and the public, while strengthening teaching excellence and research performance.
“As Rector, I encourage all members of the academic community to continuously improve the quality of services for students and society. We also expect continuous enhancement in teaching and research quality,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with a group photo session and a communal breakfast attended by the entire UMSU academic community.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the UMSU Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Agusaani, M.AP.; Board Secretary Dr. Mutholib, M.M.; Board Member Drs. H. Dalail Ahmad, M.A.; all Deans and Vice Deans; the Director and Deputy Director of the Graduate School; heads of bureaus, centers, institutes, and units; department heads and secretaries; as well as lecturers and employees from across UMSU.
