In celebration of World Book Day, observed annually on April 23, UMSU Press—the university’s publishing unit—distributed royalties to 413 authors. The royalties were presented by the Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), represented by Vice Rector III, Dr. Rudianto, M.Si, at the BI Corner UMSU on Thursday (April 23). The event was attended by authors as well as a representative from UIN North Sumatra, Dr. Mujhirul Iman.
Rudianto stated that UMSU’s progress and achievements—recognized nationally and internationally under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Agussani, M.AP—are partly supported by the development of UMSU Press.
According to him, not all universities are able to consistently sustain a campus publishing unit. “There are more than 4,000 public and private universities, but only a small number have publishing units. Among those that do, only a few have managed to survive and grow above average—one of them is UMSU Press under UMSU,” he explained.
He noted that UMSU Press has shown steady growth each year, reflected in the increasing number of published titles, participating authors, and royalties distributed. In addition, books published by UMSU Press have gained wide recognition. Works by Dr. Arwin Juli Rakhmadi Butar-Butar have reached an international audience, while books by Dr. Robie Fanreza, M.Pd.I have gained popularity, including recognition from government institutions.
Head of UMSU Press, Dr. Muhammad Arifin, M.Pd, explained that royalty distribution has been carried out consistently every year from 2021 to 2026. The number of recipients has grown significantly: 16 authors in 2021, 51 in 2022, 130 in 2023, 142 in 2024, 232 in 2025, and 413 in 2026, with the total royalty amount increasing annually.
In addition to the royalty distribution, UMSU Press also presented the UMSU Press Award, recognizing individuals who have contributed to the advancement of the publishing unit. The 2026 awards in the contributor category were given to Prof. Dr. Rusydi Ananda, M.Pd (First Place), Dr. Selamat Pasaribu, M.Psi (Second Place), and Dr. Amiruddin, M.Pd (Third Place). Meanwhile, the Productive Young Author award was presented to Dr. Asmaul Husna, S.Ak., M.Ak, who published four book titles in 2025.
