The closing of the Batch 3 Merdeka Student Exchange Program (PMM) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara, which 386 students attended, was enlivened by the archipelago cultural parade.
The closing ceremony by the UMSU Rector, Prof.Dr.Agussani, MAP was held at the Campus auditorium on Jalan Kapten Mukhtar Basri, Medan, Saturday night, 19/1). The archipelago’s cultural attractions in the form of dances and songs from various archipelago regions were performed by inbound students from 55 universities throughout Indonesia who attended lectures for one semester at the UMSU Campus.
UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, expressed his appreciation for the successful implementation of PMM Batch 3. During the four months of program implementation, namely October 2023 – January 2024, there are two student activities, namely academic and archipelago modules, which aim to introduce local culture and ethnic diversity in North Sumatra.
In addition to releasing PMM students, the Rector welcomed 274 UMSU students who had returned from implementing PMM activities for four months at various universities throughout Indonesia. In his remarks, UMSU Rector Prof. Agussani admitted that he was touched by the release of PMM batch 3 students.
“I am very touched because this is an extraordinary program that has an impact not only on the exchange process, but what is very important is the values of togetherness, learning, and culture,” said Prof. Agussani.
He is also very grateful because this activity can form togetherness across universities, and it is recommended to form a PMM alum group so that togetherness is maintained even though the program has been completed.
“Thank you to all PMM administrators and PICs involved. Hopefully, you can convey to your home area that North Sumatra and UMSU can be a mouthpiece in managing Higher Education, “said Prof. Agussani.
Ainur Rohma Zahra, Inbound PMM Batch 3 Student from Brawijaya University, had the opportunity to convey her messages and impressions. He hopes that UMSU can be more advanced and superior in producing graduates who can contribute to the country.
“For my friends, it turned out to be more difficult to leave the city of Medan; thank you for all the moments of togetherness. Farewell is not the end until we meet at another meeting,” said Ainur.
A similar impression was also expressed by Yudi Firmansyah, a UMSU PMM student who had the opportunity to study at Brawijaya University, telling his experience while carrying out PMM.
“Alhamdulillah, during PMM at Brawijaya University, I had the opportunity to become a committee member for the XVII National Student MTQ, and I directly accompanied the caravan from UMSU. Thank you for the support, Mr. Rector and Mr. Vince Rector III, who are willing to visit us in Malang. Hopefully, PMM can continue to run and provide opportunities, “said Yudi.
Previously, UMSU PMM PIC Dr. Mandra Saragih, S.Pd., M. Hum reported that Batch 3 students will be delivered to the airport on January 22. Then, in mid-February, UMSU will welcome 45 Batch 4 PMM students. Meanwhile, currently, UMSU students who carry out PMM are spread throughout Indonesia, namely 230 students on the island of Java, 24 students in Nusa Tenggara, 12 students in Papua, 12 students in Sulawesi, and students in Kalimantan.
This release was filled with creative events and parades from PMM participants, which the Dean, Nusantara Module Lecturers, and the UMSU academic community attended.