Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) signed an international Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Special Branch Leadership of Muhammadiyah (PCIM) in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The signing ceremony took place on Saturday (22/8) at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in London, located at 30 Great Peter Street, Westminster, London SW1P 2BU.
The MoU was signed by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zailani, M.A., and PCIM UK and Ireland Chairperson Ince Dian Aprilyani Azir. The ceremony was witnessed by Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board (PP Muhammadiyah) Chairman for International Relations and Cooperation Prof. Syafiq A. Mughni, Indonesian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Dr. Desra Percaya, and Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), Dr. Wajid Akhter.
UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., said the partnership is part of the university’s efforts to strengthen its international programs as it moves toward becoming a world-class university. The initiative is also aligned with efforts to enhance the quality of education across all aspects of the university’s Catur Dharma.
PCIM UK and Ireland has offered to serve as a bridge between UMSU and universities across the United Kingdom, opening opportunities for research collaboration, visiting lecturer programs, Community Service Programs (KKN), and student internships.
The delegation’s visit to London is part of UMSU’s ongoing internationalization policy, which has been strongly promoted by Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd. The policy places significant emphasis on expanding international partnerships and global programs across all UMSU units.
Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board (PP Muhammadiyah) Chairman for International Relations and Cooperation Prof. Syafiq A. Mughni said Muhammadiyah is a moderate (wasathiyah) organization that remains open to collaborating with any institution as long as humanitarian principles are upheld.
He encouraged the leadership of PCIM UK and Ireland to continue carrying forward the spirit of struggle exemplified by KH Ahmad Dahlan—serving sincerely and selflessly in advancing Muhammadiyah’s mission and contributions in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies Dr. Zailani explained that the international partnership is part of the vision promoted by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., which emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and internationalization. The Rector has placed strong emphasis on expanding international partnerships and global programs across UMSU’s faculties and institutional units.
Through this partnership, UMSU and PCIM UK and Ireland will develop concrete steps to implement the agreement. Planned initiatives include preparing student KKN and internship programs in London in the coming years, as well as exploring collaboration between UMSU lecturers and researchers based in the United Kingdom.
The partnership is expected to serve as an important foundation for UMSU in expanding its international network while strengthening the global contribution of Muhammadiyah in North Sumatra through collaboration with Muhammadiyah members and institutions in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Representatives of other Indonesian Islamic organizations, including Al Jam’iyatul Washliyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), also attended the event, reflecting a spirit of solidarity and collaboration among Indonesia’s Islamic organizations.
