Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) strengthened its international relations through an official visit to the People’s Republic of China held from May 10–18, 2026. The visit, organized at the invitation of the Chinese Consulate General in Medan, opened new opportunities for cooperation in education, investment, and cultural exchange between Indonesia and China.
UMSU was represented by Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BPH) Prof. Dr. Agussani, M.AP., and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qorib, M.A., who also serves as Treasurer of the Regional Leadership of Muhammadiyah North Sumatra. Together with delegates from universities, religious leaders, the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB), media representatives, and Chinese-Indonesian organizations in North Sumatra, the delegation visited several major cities in China, particularly Beijing, Ürümqi, and Kashgar.
Chairman of the UMSU Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Agussani, M.AP., stated that the visit provided firsthand insight into China’s civilizational development, social life, educational progress, and technological advancement.
“This visit serves as a bridge to strengthen international relations while opening opportunities for collaboration in various sectors, especially education and culture,” he told reporters in Medan on Monday (May 18).
During their stay in China, the delegation visited several cultural centers and world-renowned historical sites, including the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu. The delegation also attended the cultural performance “Five Stars Shine in the East.”
According to Prof. Agussani, one of the most significant experiences during the visit was witnessing firsthand the lives of Muslim communities in Xinjiang, a region that has often attracted international attention.
“I shared what I personally saw and experienced. There has been a lot of reporting portraying Muslims in China as marginalized and restricted. However, during our time there, we hardly encountered such conditions,” he explained.
He added that China has successfully carried out modernization while preserving the historical and cultural roots that form the foundation of its civilization.
“From this visit, we can learn how history and culture have become essential pillars in China’s modern transformation,” he said.
Prof. Agussani also emphasized that the relationship between UMSU and the Chinese Consulate General in North Sumatra has been established for quite some time, including through the presence of the China Corner at UMSU as a center for information on Chinese education, culture, and civilization.
In addition to strengthening cultural ties, UMSU and Muhammadiyah are also exploring opportunities for international educational investment collaboration, including the development of teaching hospitals and other specialized fields.
“The development of education in Indonesia requires investment. Muhammadiyah is open to collaboration with investors from China who are interested in contributing to educational development in Indonesia,” he stressed.
As a follow-up to the visit, all delegates plan to hold a continued gathering in Indonesia. UMSU is scheduled to host the next meeting in June 2026, which will also be attended by the Chinese Consul in Medan.
