Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) once again welcomed a delegation from the Islamic Private School Association of Satun Province, Thailand, on Saturday (17/8).
The visit was led by Umar Akem, President of the Association of Private Islamic Schools in Satun Province, along with Dr. Ahmad Napallen, Head of Darul Maarif School and Secretary of the Association, as well as several staff and teachers from Satun.
The delegation was warmly received by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, represented by Vice Rector III Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si, together with faculty leaders and program chairs from FKIP, FISIP, and FAI.
Umar Akem expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by UMSU.
“We are very thankful for the kind reception. May this relationship grow stronger and the programs we carry out together continue to flourish. We are united in brotherhood,” he said.
He also shared three key expectations for future cooperation with UMSU.
“Mr. Vice Rector, we hope there will be scholarships for Thai students, not only for undergraduate studies but also for Master’s and PhD programs,” he remarked.
Umar further proposed several initiatives, such as extending student exchange or flagship community service (KKN) programs from one month to two or three months, and establishing homestay opportunities in Medan for Satun students to directly experience Indonesian culture and language.
Vice Rector III, Dr. Rudianto, expressed his joy at hosting the Satun delegation. He also highlighted UMSU’s ongoing development, including plans for a new campus and preparations for the upcoming Muhammadiyah Congress, as well as its growing international engagement.
“To date, UMSU has sent students abroad and awarded scholarships to international students, including those from Satun, Thailand. Thank you for your support, and hopefully this year more Satun students will receive fully funded scholarships,” he stated.
Dr. Rudianto also expressed appreciation to Satun for welcoming FKIP students to study there.
“May this collaboration continue to grow and produce many joint programs. As for the proposals mentioned, we will certainly discuss them further,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmad Napallen, Head of Darul Maarif School, shared his reflections on the strong relationship between UMSU and Satun.
“We feel that Sumatra, and Indonesia in general, has made a great contribution to the people of Thailand, especially in Satun. Our role in Satun is to spread Islam among non-Muslims. This partnership with UMSU is a joint effort to advance the Muslim community, and this is something we must be grateful for,” he said.
The meeting is expected to further strengthen educational, cultural, and Islamic ties between Indonesia and Thailand, particularly between UMSU and Satun.
