Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) hosted the 50th anniversary celebration of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) North Sumatra, carrying the theme “Serving for the Benefit of the People and the Nation.” The event took place on Saturday (August 9) at the UMSU Auditorium, Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
The milestone celebration featured a grand Islamic lecture delivered by Dr. K.H. Anwar Abbas, M.M., M.Ag., Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council and Chairman of Muhammadiyah Central Board.
In his keynote, Anwar Abbas delivered a message of awakening, reminding the audience of the importance of upholding the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the Constitution as guiding principles for the Muslim community’s struggle.
“We are partners of the government. If the government does right, we are obliged to support it. But if it errs, we are obliged to remind it. This nation is founded on belief in Almighty God, so no law should contradict religious teachings,” he stressed.
He firmly rejected the legalization of gambling and prostitution, stating: “The government must listen to the advice of the ulama. Our duty is to promote good and prevent wrongdoing. Religion must not be removed from the nation’s life,” he said.
Anwar also highlighted concerns over the declining Muslim population percentage—from 95% at independence to 86% today—and the community’s weak position in economics and knowledge.
“Our numbers are large, but our strength in knowledge, economics, and independence is weak. The dominant mentality is an employee mentality. If we want to be decision-makers, we must shift to an entrepreneurial mentality. It is difficult, but it must be done,” he urged.
He added that such a mindset shift requires support from three key pillars: parents, environment, and teachers, backed by government policy. “Today, education only prepares graduates to be workers, not job creators. The government must allocate resources to produce entrepreneurs,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, MUI North Sumatra Chairman Dr. H. Maratua Simanjuntak expressed gratitude to Muhammadiyah for its major role in supporting the success of the event.
“MasyaAllah, Muhammadiyah has fully supported this anniversary celebration. We will soon hear a lecture from Buya Anwar Abbas, which I hope will bring valuable advice and knowledge,” he said.
UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, in his remarks, explained that UMSU readily accepted the responsibility as host at MUI’s request.
“This is a form of synergy between Muhammadiyah, MUI, and UMSU. This is not the first time, as we have previously collaborated with MUI Medan and MUI North Sumatra,” he noted.
He further outlined ongoing collaborations, including the involvement of UMSU cadres in MUI North Sumatra, the development of a halal center, and the designation of UMSU as a model campus for the halal zone.
“UMSU has also been appointed as the host for Muhammadiyah’s 49th Congress. We seek your support. Construction of the Congress Hall is 20 percent complete and is expected to finish by July 2027. Together with MUI and local SMEs, we will organize a festival at UMSU’s integrated campus,” Prof. Agussani added.
Committee Chairman Prof. Dr. H. Hasan Bakti Nasution, MA, expressed gratitude for MUI’s five decades of journey as both government partner and servant of society.
“Without realizing it, MUI has walked this path for half a century with a vision of serving as both government partner and servant of the people. Alhamdulillah, MUI continues to move forward. For this anniversary, we carried out pilgrimages, anti-drug campaigns, radio broadcasts, and humanitarian fundraising for Palestine as our moral responsibility,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to all who attended and supported the event. “Thank you to everyone present, especially UMSU’s Rector. I am truly speechless, as every MUI program has been warmly welcomed by him. We pray for health and success for the Muhammadiyah community,” he added.
Representing the Governor of North Sumatra, Government Affairs Assistant Drs. Basarin Yunus Tanjung, M.Si, praised MUI’s role in society.
“MUI has become an essential pillar in guiding the ummah and safeguarding unity, while serving as a strategic partner for the government in promoting religious moderation and harmony. On behalf of the provincial government, we extend our highest appreciation for MUI’s dedication in da’wah, fatwas, and education,” he said.
He expressed hope that MUI North Sumatra would continue to strengthen its role amid changing times and uphold the dignity of the province. “Let us build stronger synergy for the common good,” he urged.
The anniversary program also included activities such as pilgrimages, anti-drug awareness campaigns, UMSU radio broadcasts, and humanitarian fundraising for Palestine.
The 50th Anniversary of MUI North Sumatra marked an important moment to reaffirm MUI’s role as both a government partner and a driver of community welfare. Across the speeches, the central message emphasized synergy, strengthening the ummah’s economy, and actively safeguarding the nation’s direction in line with religious values and the Constitution.
The event was attended by prominent figures including Drs. H. A. Muin Isma Nst, MA, Secretary of the MUI Advisory Board of North Sumatra; Prof. Dr. H. Mohd Hatta, MA, Chairman of BAZNAS North Sumatra; leaders of Islamic organizations under MUI; leaders of higher education institutions; UMSU’s Board of Trustees; and MUI North Sumatra leaders.
