Medan Mayor, Rico Waas, expressed his appreciation to the Organizing Committee of the 49th Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Congress in North Sumatra in 2027, noting that overall preparations—both in terms of facilities and committee readiness—have been carried out very well.
“Based on the preparations presented by the Rector of UMSU, who is also the Chair of the Organizing Committee, everything looks excellent. What remains is the completion of the congress venue’s construction. I am confident that the event can be successfully held,” he said during a courtesy visit and socialization meeting with the congress committee at the Medan Mayor’s Official Residence on Monday (10/11).
The visit was attended by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, who also serves as Chair of the Organizing Committee; Chairman of PWM North Sumatra Prof. Dr. Hasyimsyah Nasution, MA; Secretary of PWM North Sumatra Irwan Syahputra, MA; Chairwoman of PWA Sumut Dr. Nurrahma Amini, M.Ag; Chairman of PD Muhammadiyah Medan Maulana Siregar, S.Ag., MA; Chairwoman of PDA Medan Kholisani; and UMSU Vice Rector III Dr. Rudianto, M.Si.
As the host city, the Mayor expressed his wish to receive regular updates on the congress preparations. This information, he said, is essential for the Medan City Government to offer maximum support for the success of the event.
“As a note and suggestion, if there are additional activities aside from the congress—such as programs involving the President or national figures—they will require extra preparation,” he added.
The Medan City Government must also ensure the readiness of accommodations and essential facilities, such as referral hospitals, hotels, and VVIP amenities.
He explained that Medan is prepared to welcome the congress, including with its available tourism attractions. “For transportation, we expect the LRT to be completed by 2027, along with other facilities that can support the arrival of participants and guests from across Indonesia,” he stated.
“I believe the Medan LRT will be completed in 2027. Various public facility revitalization projects are also expected to be finished to support the success of the congress,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, he affirmed that the city government is ready to support the congress as it will be a prestigious event for North Sumatra, especially Medan. The arrival of participants and guests from Indonesia and abroad will bring positive economic and social benefits to the community.
“God willing, Medan will be ready in 2027 to host this major congress,” he said.
During the visit, UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, who also chairs the Organizing Committee, presented updates on various preparations, including progress on the construction of the auditorium and sport hall that will serve as congress venues. He also mentioned that the committee has begun promoting the 2027 Congress across several provinces to attract participation and enthusiasm from Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah members nationwide.
“As the host committee, we have also showcased various cultural, natural, and culinary tourism destinations across North Sumatra,” he added.
On the same occasion, the Rector also shared UMSU’s latest achievements, including its ranking in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026. Four study programs—Management, Accounting, Islamic Business Management, and Islamic Banking—have also received international accreditation from FIBAA.
For the Faculty of Medicine, he expressed hope for follow-up cooperation with the Medan City Government regarding the establishment of specialist medical education programs.
Meanwhile, Chairman of PWM North Sumatra Prof. Dr. Hasyimsyah Nasution, MA explained that the congress is the highest decision-making forum of Muhammadiyah, first held in Medan in 1939. Hosting the 2027 Congress is considered a rare opportunity, as failing to do so may mean waiting another 40 years for Medan’s turn.
The congress will not only be attended by Muhammadiyah members from across Indonesia, but also by representatives from 38 overseas branches. “The congress is not only national but global. It is not just about administration—it is about the spirit and the movement. We hope the congress will attract the attention of millions of Muhammadiyah members from Indonesia and around the world,” he concluded.
