Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) held its 69th anniversary reception along with a public lecture delivered by the Director of Distribution of PT PLN, Arsyadany Ghana Akmalaputri, S.T., M.M. The lecture, themed “Energy Transition Toward Sovereignty and National Resilience,” took place at the campus auditorium on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan, on Saturday (February 28).
As part of supporting the electric vehicle ecosystem, PLN also handed over a Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station (SPKLU) installed within the UMSU campus. This facility is expected to benefit both the academic community and the wider public.
In his remarks, the Director of Distribution of PT PLN (Persero), Arsyadany Ghana Akmalaputri, extended congratulations to UMSU on its 69th anniversary. He noted that the university has long served as a beacon of knowledge for society and expressed hope that collaboration in clean energy between PLN and UMSU would help advance national energy sovereignty in the future.
During the lecture, he highlighted the concept of the energy trilemma: energy security, energy sustainability, and energy affordability.
“These three aspects are interconnected. If one is weak, national energy resilience will be affected. Energy is never neutral because it is always tied to political and economic dynamics,” he explained.
He further stated that Indonesia’s electricity consumption is currently growing at around 3 percent. However, there are still 10,068 villages without access to electricity, posing a major challenge in achieving equitable energy distribution across the country’s diverse geography.
“The energy transition is a moral imperative. Yet, amid global issues, many communities still lack electricity. This is a shared challenge we must address together,” he said.
To realize the energy transition, he emphasized the need for three key pillars: leadership, technology, and policy. He also encouraged research collaboration with universities, including battery studies already conducted with Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), as well as the development of green jobs across sectors.
“Universities must become incubators for future energy talent. We need a generation that is not only technically competent but also has a strong sense of national responsibility,” he added.
Earlier, Chairman of the Central Executive Board of Muhammadiyah and Special Presidential Advisor for Hajj Affairs, Prof. Dr. Drs. H. Muhadjir Effendy, M.A.P., congratulated UMSU on its anniversary and expressed hope that the university would continue to grow as a trustworthy and progressive institution.
“I have followed UMSU’s development for a long time. Under the current Rector’s leadership, UMSU has transformed into a leading university. It is not just a campus in Medan, but part of the international network of Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah higher education institutions, and one of the largest outside Java,” he stated.
He also emphasized the importance of building an inclusive and open campus, while leveraging momentum to strengthen higher education’s contribution in addressing global challenges.
Meanwhile, UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani expressed pride in the presence of the PLN Director at the anniversary celebration.
“This is an honor for us. This year, we have chosen a meaningful moment for the anniversary with various programs, including this public lecture, as part of our efforts to drive UMSU’s progressive development,” he said.
On this occasion, the Rector, who also serves as Chairman of the 2027 Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Congress Organizing Committee, briefly introduced UMSU and outlined the upcoming congress agenda.
As part of preparations for the major event, UMSU is currently developing an integrated campus located on Jalan Dwikora, Pasar VI, Desa Saentis, Percut Sei Tuan District, Deli Serdang Regency.
Construction progress has reached 35 percent for the auditorium and 55 percent for the Walidah Sport Hall. Additionally, the groundbreaking for the K.H. Ahmad Dahlan Mosque—covering 2,000 square meters with a modern design and a capacity of 1,700 worshippers on the first floor and 300 on the second—is scheduled soon, with completion targeted for 2027.
“The partnership between UMSU and PLN has been exceptional, including through PLN subsidiaries involved in the integrated campus development. This reflects our shared contribution,” the Rector said, expressing hope that PLN will continue to support the success of the 2027 Congress.
The event concluded with a ceremonial presentation of ulos, the exchange of souvenirs, and a group photo session. Attendees included EVP of Distribution Operations for PLN Sumatra and Kalimantan Saleh Siswanto, General Manager of PLN UID North Sumatra Mundhakir, Executive VP Martha Adi Nugraha, CEO of BSI Region 2 Medan Taufan Ansari, PWM North Sumatra Chairman Prof. Dr. Hasyimsyah Nasution, PWA North Sumatra Chair Dr. Nur Rahmah Amini, Chairman of BPH Dr. H. Bahril Datuk, M.M., vice rectors, postgraduate directors and deputy directors, deans and vice deans of UMSU, local Muhammadiyah leaders, religious figures, partners, and students.
