The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Medan, Huang He, paid a courtesy visit to Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) on Wednesday evening, June 17, at the university’s campus on Jalan Kapten M. Basri, Medan.
The visit was conducted together with members of the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Delegation, including Dr. Indra Wahidin, Chairman of the Indonesian Chinese Association (INTI); Dr. H. Maratua Simanjuntak, Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of North Sumatra; Prof. Dr. Hasyimsyah Nasution, M.A., Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Regional Board of North Sumatra (PWM); Prof. Dr. H. Agussani, M.AP., Chairman of the UMSU Board of Trustees (BPH) and Chairman of the Advisory Council of MUI; Dr. Rudianto, M.Si., Vice Rector III of UMSU; Prof. Dr. Hj. Nurhayati, M.Ag., Rector of UIN Sumatera Utara; and Dr. H. Hasan Maksum, M.Ag.
The visit began with a tour of the Chinese Corner, a cultural and literacy center located in the UMSU Library, followed by a dinner reception at the university auditorium. Huang He expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the UMSU academic community.
“I am delighted to be here at UMSU. I have received an exceptionally warm welcome,” he said.
He also praised the vocal solo performance and traditional dance presented by UMSU students during the event.
“I would like to share the perspectives of the Chinese people on Islam and religious life in our country,” he remarked.
According to Huang He, Chinese society places great importance on values that promote kindness and moral responsibility. He explained that Chinese spiritual traditions emphasize the relationship between humanity and divine values.
“Chinese society believes that human life is closely connected with spiritual and moral values. When people uphold goodness, they earn the respect of society,” he said.
He further emphasized that social harmony continues to flourish despite religious diversity.
“People of different faiths live together harmoniously. Even those with and without religious beliefs coexist peacefully and respectfully,” he added.
Huang He also expressed his commitment to continuing similar cultural exchange programs in the future.
“The Chinese Consulate General in Medan plans to organize an event like this again next year,” he concluded.
Earlier in the evening, UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., represented by Vice Rector III Dr. Rudianto, M.Si., welcomed the delegation and expressed his appreciation for the visit, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the friendship between the two sides.
“We are honored to welcome the leaders of the Indonesian Chinese Association this evening. We hope all of our distinguished guests enjoy their visit to UMSU,” he said.
He also introduced UMSU as a university committed to fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and the values of moderation.
“We ask for your prayers that all of our efforts continue to prosper, guided by the spirit of Rahmatan Lil Alamin,” he added.
One of the highlights of the visit was the introduction of Chinese Corner, a dedicated space for Chinese language, literature, and cultural studies located within the UMSU Library.
“UMSU is home to the first Chinese Corner in Medan. This facility was generously donated by the previous Chinese Consul General and houses a rich collection of books and educational resources. We hope this friendship and cooperation will continue to grow,” Dr. Rudianto explained.
Meanwhile, Dr. Indra Wahidin, Chairman of the Indonesian Chinese Association (INTI), expressed his gratitude to the Chinese Consulate General for organizing the gathering.
“We sincerely thank the Chinese Consulate General for making this event possible. We hope to continue organizing similar activities together in the years to come,” he said.
The courtesy visit marked an important milestone in strengthening cultural, educational, and intercivilizational dialogue between Indonesia and China, particularly in North Sumatra. It also reaffirmed the spirit of Rahmatan Lil Alamin as a foundation for fostering inclusive, harmonious, and sustainable international cooperation.
