The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) has been entrusted to host the 2027 national meeting of the Association of Economics and Business Faculties of Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (AFEB PTMA). The event is scheduled to take place at UMSU from July 15–17, 2027.
The national meeting will bring together leaders of economics and business faculties and heads of study programs from Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (PTMA) across Indonesia, from Sabang to Merauke. AFEB PTMA has approximately 250 members, comprising faculties and study programs within PTMA institutions. The number of participants is expected to be even higher, as each institution may send more than one representative. Enthusiasm is also expected to increase as the event will be held ahead of the 49th Muhammadiyah Congress in North Sumatra.
The decision to appoint FEB UMSU as host was announced by AFEB PTMA Chairman Prof. Dr. Muzakar Isya during the closing session of the AFEB PTMA annual meeting, held at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta from July 4–6, 2026. The appointment was announced in the presence of faculty leaders and heads of economics and business study programs from various regions across Indonesia.
At the meeting, FEB UMSU was represented by Dean Dr. Radiman, along with the Heads of the Master of Management, Accounting, Management, and Digital Business Study Programs, as well as the Secretary of the Accounting Study Program.
Prof. Dr. Muzakar Isya said the decision to appoint FEB UMSU as host was based on several strategic considerations. One of the key factors was North Sumatra’s selection as the host province for the 49th Muhammadiyah Congress.
“North Sumatra will host the 49th Muhammadiyah Congress. Therefore, holding AFEB PTMA at UMSU can serve as an opportunity to introduce and conduct an initial assessment of the congress venues to the entire AFEB PTMA community from various regions across Indonesia,” said Muzakar.
He explained that the presence of leaders of economics and business faculties and study program heads from PTMA institutions across Indonesia would provide an important opportunity to introduce North Sumatra to the wider AFEB PTMA community. In addition to its connection with the 49th Muhammadiyah Congress, the decision to appoint UMSU also considered AFEB PTMA’s tradition of rotating its host institutions between universities in Java and those outside Java.
“AFEB PTMA meetings generally follow a rotation between Java and regions outside Java. Previous meetings were held at Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik and Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar, and in 2027, the responsibility has been entrusted to Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara,” he said.
Muzakar expressed hope that FEB UMSU would make thorough preparations so that the 2027 AFEB PTMA meeting would not merely serve as a routine organizational event, but also generate valuable ideas and recommendations for the development of higher education and the national economy.
Dean of FEB UMSU Dr. Radiman expressed his gratitude to AFEB PTMA members across Indonesia for entrusting UMSU with hosting the event. He explained that the decision to accept the responsibility was made after FEB UMSU consulted with and received approval from the UMSU Rector.
The trust carries special significance for FEB UMSU. According to AFEB PTMA’s history, FEB UMSU last hosted a similar event in 2010. After 17 years, the national forum bringing together faculty leaders and heads of economics and business study programs within PTMA will once again be held at UMSU. According to Radiman, serving as host is not merely a responsibility to organize the event. It is also an opportunity for FEB UMSU to expand its network and strengthen collaboration with economics and business faculties and study programs at Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions throughout Indonesia.
“AFEB PTMA is a forum that brings together numerous Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah higher education institutions, each with its own strengths. Through this meeting, FEB UMSU aims to expand its network, strengthen collaboration, and exchange experiences in the development of education, research, community service, and institutional governance,” he said.
He added that the 2027 AFEB PTMA meeting holds strategic significance because it will take place ahead of the 49th Muhammadiyah Congress. FEB UMSU intends to use the forum as a platform for gathering ideas from economics and business academics within PTMA. These ideas are expected to be developed into relevant recommendations addressing the development and challenges of Indonesia’s economy. The recommendations are also expected to serve as AFEB PTMA’s intellectual contribution ahead of the 49th Muhammadiyah Congress.
UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in FEB UMSU to host AFEB PTMA 2027. According to him, the appointment demonstrates the strong confidence that the Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah higher education network has placed in UMSU.
“We express our appreciation and gratitude for the trust given to FEB UMSU to host AFEB PTMA 2027. This responsibility must be prepared with the utmost commitment so that UMSU can provide the best possible service to all participants attending from various regions across Indonesia,” said Akrim.
He said the 2027 AFEB PTMA meeting should be used to strengthen institutional partnerships, improve the implementation of the three pillars of higher education—education, research, and community service—and introduce UMSU and North Sumatra to the wider Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah higher education community throughout Indonesia.
“This meeting is not only about UMSU’s success as the host. It must also contribute to the development of higher education and generate ideas that can support the advancement of the national economy. This is particularly important because the event will be held ahead of the 49th Muhammadiyah Congress in North Sumatra,” he said.
Akrim also called on all elements of UMSU to support preparations for AFEB PTMA 2027. Collaboration among the university, faculties, study programs, and the organizing committee will be essential to ensuring the event runs smoothly and leaves a positive impression on participants.
The 2027 AFEB PTMA meeting will not only serve as an institutional agenda but also as an important opportunity to introduce UMSU and North Sumatra to leaders of economics and business faculties and heads of PTMA study programs from Sabang to Merauke. The meeting is also expected to contribute to consolidation and preparations for the 49th Muhammadiyah Congress, which will place North Sumatra at the center of attention of the wider Muhammadiyah community.
