The Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), Prof. Dr. Agussani, M.A.P., awarded a scholarship to one of the top alumni of Universitas Muhammadiyah Asahan (UMMAS), Anisa Suryani Putri, S.H., who expressed her desire to continue her studies through a pantun (traditional rhyme) during the First Graduation Ceremony, held in Kisaran, Asahan, on Thursday (December 11).
“Earlier, the graduate expressed her wish to continue her studies at UMSU through a pantun, so I responded with a pantun as well,” the Rector said, while asking Anisa—who was seated among the graduates after delivering her message and impressions from the podium—to repeat her rhyme.
Thunderous applause filled the hall, which was packed with graduates, parents, and invited guests, when the Rector granted her request by announcing a full tuition waiver scholarship for a master’s degree, also delivered through a pantun.
“Is it true, Sir, a scholarship—full tuition for a master’s degree?” Anisa asked, still standing among the graduates in disbelief.
“Yes, it’s true—I am the Rector of UMSU,” Prof. Dr. Agussani replied, drawing laughter from the audience.
After responding to Anisa’s request, Prof. Agussani expressed his appreciation to the leadership and academic community of Universitas Muhammadiyah Asahan for their commitment to improving university governance, which has led to visible progress. The transition from the merger of two higher education institutions into a university, he noted, has brought about a more positive academic environment.
UMSU is known as the mentoring university for Muhammadiyah higher education institutions in North Sumatra. There are four Muhammadiyah campuses in the province: UMSU, UM Tapanuli Selatan, UMMAS Asahan, and STITI Sibolga–Central Tapanuli.
“As the mentoring rector, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the entire leadership and staff of UMMAS for their excellent performance,” he said.
In addition to the scholarship awarded to Anisa Suryani, the UMSU Rector also announced a Rp2.5 million tuition incentive for UMMAS Class of 2025 (First Cohort) graduates who choose to pursue a master’s degree at UMSU.
The tuition discount for the first graduating class was once again met with enthusiastic applause. According to the Rector, this policy reflects UMSU’s commitment to actively contributing to the development of human resources in North Sumatra, with the hope of encouraging bachelor’s degree graduates to continue their studies to a higher level.
Universitas Muhammadiyah Asahan, which was established just one year ago following the merger of two colleges (Law and Economics), held its first graduation ceremony in 2025, producing 140 graduates: 78 from the Management program, 22 from Accounting, and 40 from Law.
The graduation ceremony took place at Hotel Antariksa, Kisaran, and was attended by numerous prominent figures, including the Regional Secretary of Asahan, the Head of LLDIKTI Region I Prof. Dr. Syaiful Matondang, members of the Higher Education, Research, and Development Council of PP Muhammadiyah, the Chairman of PWM North Sumatra, and leaders of Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Asahan.
UMMAS Rector Dr. Prianda Febri, S.Pd., M.Pd. Febriansyah expressed his gratitude for the support and guidance provided by various parties, which enabled UMMAS—despite being only one year old—to achieve a number of milestones, including holding its first graduation ceremony in 2025.
He emphasized that UMMAS will continue to improve governance, enhance the capacity of lecturers and educational staff, and develop a long-term roadmap, including preparations for establishing a campus on Muhammadiyah-owned land.
“At present, UMMAS is sending several of its lecturers to pursue master’s and doctoral studies at UMSU,” he said.
UMMAS is committed to working hard to ensure that it can one day stand on equal footing with other major private universities.
Similar hopes were expressed by the Regional Secretary of Asahan Drs. Zainal Arifin Sinaga, M.H., Chairman of PWM North Sumatra Prof. Dr. Hasyimsyah Nasution, Chairman of the UMMAS Governing Board (BPH) Muchtar, and Member of the Higher Education, Research, and Development Council of PP Muhammadiyah Dr. Irwan Baadilla, M.Pd.
The First Graduation Ceremony of UMMAS in 2025 was marked by the presentation of awards to three top graduates: Ayu Annisa Nasution, S.Ak. (GPA 3.80), Rafina Nana Andani, S.H. (GPA 3.91), and Anisa Suryani Putri, S.H. (GPA 3.91).
