The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu’ti, M.Ed., delivered a powerful message about the meaning of scholarship in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) during his academic speech at the graduation ceremony of the University of Muhammadiyah North Sumatra (UMSU) on the first day of Period I of 2025 at the Selecta Convention Hall in Medan on Tuesday (8/7).
In his speech, which was enthusiastically received by thousands of graduates and invited guests, Prof. Mu’ti congratulated the 1,940 graduates from doctoral, master’s, doctoral, and bachelor’s degree programmes, urging them to reflect on the fact that an academic degree is not the end point but the beginning of meaningful contributions to the nation and humanity.
“On behalf of myself, the ministry, and the Central Leadership of Muhammadiyah, I express my gratitude and congratulations to the graduates and the academic community of UMSU for this achievement,” said Prof. Mu’ti, who also serves as the Secretary-General of the Central Leadership of Muhammadiyah.
In his speech, Prof. Mu’ti highlighted three key messages relevant to graduates amid technological disruption. First, he emphasised the importance of education as a force for social mobility and a symbol of future success. He warned the younger generation to avoid fatalistic thinking and a “fixed mindset” that views ability as something static and unchangeable.
“This fixed mindset was developed by Carol S. Dweck, a psychologist from Stanford University. It serves as an important reflection to prevent us from easily giving up or fearing change,” he explained. He encouraged graduates to adopt a growth mindset, which is the belief that intelligence and skills can be continuously improved through effort and learning.
The second message, according to Prof. Mu’ti, is about the importance of knowledge as a tool for real contribution, not just a source of pride in one’s degree. He mentioned social phenomena such as ‘Kabur Aja Dulu’ (Just Run Away First) as a reflection of an attitude of avoiding responsibility. ‘True scholars are those who are able to be problem solvers, not just memorisers of theory or degree hunters,’ he said.
He also quoted the Islamic poet and philosopher Muhammad Iqbal, who said that great figures do not lament their fate, but rise up to create change.
In his third message, Prof. Mu’ti highlighted the increasingly complex challenges of the era of artificial intelligence (AI). According to him, technology should be a tool to enhance human values, not replace them. He emphasised the importance of maintaining spirituality and ethics in the progress of the times.
“We should not just be users of technology. We must be a generation that instils values of togetherness, wisdom, and unity amid the allure of AI,” he said.
Prof. Mu’ti concluded his message by urging the graduates to continue upholding the inclusive and humanistic theological values of Muhammadiyah, combining vertical (divine) and horizontal (social) aspects in their future endeavours.
UMSU moving towards international class
Earlier, UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, expressed gratitude for the presence and support of Minister Prof. Abdul Mu’ti at the graduation ceremony. In his speech, the Rector stated that this graduation marks an important milestone in affirming UMSU’s position as a university continuously striving towards world-class status.
“We extend our congratulations to the graduates and their families. This moment is not only a celebration of academic success but also a milestone in strengthening UMSU’s commitment to achieving international recognition,” he said.
Rector Prof. Agussani also highlighted UMSU’s strategic achievements related to its internationalisation programme. This year, UMSU has received an additional 150 international student registrations from 11 countries, including the United Kingdom, Yemen, Cambodia, Thailand, and Ghana, up from the previous 61.
According to Rector Prof. Agussani, this achievement is concrete evidence that UMSU’s curriculum, governance, and educational quality meet global standards and are ready to compete on the international stage.
“This is part of the internationalisation roadmap, supported by international partnerships, international class programmes, and academic mobility for faculty and students,” he added.
The Rector hopes that UMSU graduates will become intellectual ambassadors upholding ethics, professionalism, and social contribution amid global dynamics. “Continue to be agents of change. Become a generation of leaders and lifelong learners,” he urged.
Recognition from LLDikti
The Head of the Higher Education Services Agency (LLDikti) Region I Medan, Prof. Syaiful Anwar, Ph.D., also expressed high appreciation for UMSU, which he deemed as the most impactful and accomplished private university (PTS) in North Sumatra.
Prof. Syaiful noted that UMSU is the PTS in North Sumatra leading the way toward international standards. This is evidenced by its high academic achievement mobility among faculty and students, as well as being the recipient of the most grants.
“LLDikti is optimistic that UMSU can serve as a role model for other PTS and is ready to become a centre for science and technology development that competes globally,” he said.
This graduation ceremony was also marked by the presentation of awards to the top graduates from each level. The event was held with solemnity, enthusiasm, and great hope that UMSU graduates will continue to bring tangible benefits to the nation, religion, and humanity.
The graduation ceremony was both solemn and festive, featuring speeches from the graduates. Among them was Laura, who managed to capture the attention of university leaders by securing a master’s degree scholarship through a pantun (traditional Malay poem).
The graduation ceremony was also attended by the Mayor of Sibolga, Ahmad Syukri, BPH, the Chairman of PWM, and Aisiyah, along with the graduates.
