Muhammadiyah officially inaugurated Akrim as Rector and confirmed Agussani as Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BPH) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) for the 2026–2030 term. The ceremony was held at the UMSU Auditorium on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan, on Wednesday (April 28).
The ceremony began with the reading of the official decree by UMSU Senate Secretary Arifin Gultom. The decree expressed appreciation for the dedication of Agussani, who served as UMSU Rector for the 2022–2026 period. It also officially appointed Akrim as Rector of UMSU for the 2026–2030 term.
Chairman of the Central Executive Board of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir inaugurated the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees, while Secretary of the Higher Education, Research, and Development Council of PP Muhammadiyah Ahmad Muttaqin inaugurated the Rector of UMSU.
Haedar Nashir Emphasizes the Importance of Visionary Leadership
In his remarks, Haedar Nashir stressed the importance of visionary leadership and the ability to mobilize potential.
“Everyone has potential, but not everyone can mobilize it. If potential is not activated, we will move slowly like a turtle that never reaches its destination,” he stated.
According to him, the success of an institution ultimately depends on the quality of its leadership. In the spirit of Progressive Islam, which forms the foundation of Muhammadiyah, every cadre is expected to possess a forward-thinking mindset inspired by Muhammadiyah founder Ahmad Dahlan.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining good relations with various sectors as a characteristic of Muhammadiyah’s mature and thoughtful movement.
He explained that leaders carry many strategic responsibilities, from maintaining organizational order to providing clear direction for all members. A leader, he said, must become a figure who leads by example and carries both moral and organizational responsibility.
Sincerity and wisdom, according to him, are the core foundations of Muhammadiyah leadership. Leadership within Muhammadiyah is not merely about holding a position, but about demonstrating dedication through real work, service, and contribution.
Prof. Haedar further emphasized that Muhammadiyah leadership is dynamic and continuously evolves in response to the challenges of the times. Therefore, a rector must embody a spirit of progress and practice prophetic leadership that is not only worldly-oriented but also spiritually meaningful.
“All of us are khalifah entrusted with responsibility. Therefore, carry out the function of leadership to the best of your ability,” he said.
At the end of his speech, he congratulated the newly inaugurated Rector Akrim and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Agussani, expressing hope that UMSU would continue to grow and contribute greatly to society and the nation.
Deputy Minister Appreciates Leadership Transformation and Regeneration
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia Fajar Riza Ul Haq expressed appreciation for the inauguration of Akrim as Rector of UMSU for the 2026–2030 term. He considered the leadership transition at UMSU as a strong example of healthy and sustainable regeneration in higher education.
According to him, UMSU’s development reflects a successful transformation of a university that prioritizes continuity and sustainability in leadership.
He noted that effective leadership regeneration would strengthen UMSU’s readiness to support major Muhammadiyah agendas, including the upcoming Muhammadiyah Congress.
Furthermore, he emphasized that UMSU’s position as one of the leading private universities in North Sumatra has significantly contributed to increasing the Gross Enrollment Ratio in higher education within the region.
“The presence of UMSU has contributed to the growth of the Gross Enrollment Ratio in North Sumatra, which is currently slightly above the national average,” he explained.
He also expressed hope that UMSU’s new leadership would continue previous achievements while strengthening the contribution of Muhammadiyah universities to the advancement of national higher education.
Prof. Agussani Reflects on His Leadership Journey
In his remarks, newly confirmed Board Chairman Agussani expressed gratitude and appreciation to all parties who supported his leadership during his 16 years of service since he was first inaugurated in 2010.
He recalled the early years of his leadership, when UMSU faced major challenges, including governance issues and institutional financial burdens.
“At that time, UMSU was in debt. Through the collective spirit of Muhammadiyah members across North Sumatra, we worked together to improve governance, and today UMSU is completely debt-free,” he said.
According to him, UMSU’s progress is the result of collective work by Muhammadiyah cadres and the university’s academic community. He also outlined the development of UMSU’s strategic assets, including palm oil plantations in Biru-Biru and Sosorgadong, a moringa plantation on Jalan Tuar Amplas, OIF facilities in Barus, the UMSU hospital, and supporting supply-chain facilities such as the SPPG kitchen, poultry farm, bakery factory, and bottled water production facility.
Prof. Agussani advised the new Rector to lead with determination, avoid resentment, and respond to challenges through achievements.
“Take care of UMSU through togetherness. This golden record must continue to be written,” he stated.
He also shared updates on the development of the integrated campus infrastructure that will host the 2027 Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Congress, including the UMSU Auditorium, which has reached 38 percent construction progress with a budget of Rp122 billion, the Sports Hall at 75 percent completion worth Rp19.5 billion, and the beginning of the construction of the Ahmad Dahlan Mosque, supported by local governments.
Toward a World-Class Digital Campus
Newly inaugurated Rector Akrim stated that the leadership entrusted to him is a major responsibility to continue the achievements built by previous leaders.
“The past is a lesson, the present is a reflection, and the future is a dream that we must realize together,” he said.
He introduced a vision of transforming UMSU into a world-class digital university based on impactful research and innovation through transformative, inclusive, and humanistic leadership.
According to him, two major agendas will become the focus of his leadership: the successful organization of the Muhammadiyah Congress and strengthening UMSU toward becoming a World-Class University. To achieve these goals, UMSU will reinforce six key pillars: research and innovation, academic and human resource quality, internationalization, leadership and governance, sustainable funding, and infrastructure development.
“The key to success is sincerity and patience in working together,” he emphasized.
Appreciation from LLDIKTI Region I North Sumatra
Head of LLDIKTI Region I North Sumatra Saiful Anwar Matondang expressed appreciation for UMSU’s achievements under the leadership of Agussani, which he said successfully transformed UMSU into the best private university in North Sumatra with strong governance and reporting systems.
“UMSU is the best university in North Sumatra, which is why many ministry programs and initiatives are consistently facilitated by UMSU. Thank you, Chairman. This is an excellent tradition because UMSU is always proactive in improving its accreditation,” he stated.
According to him, this achievement demonstrates that the cadres within UMSU are among the best in the nation.
The event was also attended by leaders of Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah, members of the Indonesian House of Representatives, regional heads, university leaders from various institutions, religious and community leaders, UMSU partners, faculty leaders, student organization representatives, and the families of the inaugurated officials.
