Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) has signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several regional government agencies under the North Sumatra Provincial Government to strengthen collaboration in education, research, and human resource development.
The MoU signing took place during the “10 Trees of Knowledge” Seminar and the MURI (Indonesian World Records Museum) Record-Breaking Event, organized by LLDIKTI Region I North Sumatra on Wednesday (June 3) at its headquarters on Sempurna Street No. 8, Tanjung Sari, Medan.
The agreements were signed by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd. together with leaders of several government institutions, including the North Sumatra Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM), the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BBPOM) Medan, the North Sumatra Provincial Agriculture and Food Security Office, and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) of North Sumatra.
The seminar, themed “Inclusive, Adaptive, and Impactful Higher Education, Science, and Technology through Collaborative Partnerships for a Prosperous North Sumatra toward Golden Indonesia 2045,” was held alongside the MURI record-breaking initiative led by LLDIKTI Region I North Sumatra.
The event aimed to strengthen academic culture and foster collaboration among private higher education institutions across North Sumatra. It brought together representatives from 118 private universities and approximately 50,000 members of the academic community.
Among the distinguished guests were Prof. Drs. Saiful Anwar Matondang, M.A., Ph.D., Head of LLDIKTI Region I North Sumatra; Ir. Alfi Syahriza, S.T., M.Eng., Sc.; Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Commissioner General (Ret.) Maruli Siahaan; MURI Senior Manager Tri Muliono; MURI representative Sujangga; leaders of provincial government agencies; and presidents of private universities throughout North Sumatra. Also in attendance were Dr. Agustinus Panjaitan, Head of BPSDM North Sumatra; Mojaza Sirait, S.Si., Apt., Head of BBPOM Medan; and Fariz Haholongan Hutagalung, S.STP., M.Si., Head of the North Sumatra Agriculture and Food Security Office.
UMSU Shares Its Internationalization Success
During the seminar, Prof. Dr. Akrim was invited to deliver a testimonial on UMSU’s success in establishing international classes. UMSU is among the few private universities in Indonesia offering international-class programs and has earned FIBAA accreditation (Germany) for several academic programs.
The Rector explained that this achievement reflects UMSU’s long-term commitment to becoming a world-class private university through comprehensive internationalization initiatives.
“Alhamdulillah, UMSU has already received two MURI records, one of which recognizes our national pantun (traditional poetry) achievement,” he remarked.
Prof. Akrim explained that internationalization has become one of the university’s primary strategic priorities.
“Our Strategic Plan envisions UMSU as a world-class private university. One of the key milestones toward achieving that goal is the establishment of international classes. We began by developing these programs while continuously expanding our international collaborations,” he said.
According to him, strong institutional commitment and openness to collaboration are the key drivers of successful internationalization.
“The preparation itself is not overly difficult. What matters most is leadership commitment. We remain open to collaborating with partners from around the world,” he emphasized.
He further revealed that international interest in studying at UMSU continues to grow significantly. For the 2026 academic year, more than 1,600 prospective international students from Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia have applied for admission to UMSU.
Supporting Innovation and Higher Education Collaboration
The event was officially opened by the Governor of North Sumatra, represented by Expert Staff Ir. Alfi Syahriza, S.T., M.Eng., Sc., who described the program as an important milestone in encouraging innovation and academic excellence.
“We hope this event will become the starting point for more innovations, research, scientific publications, and outstanding academic achievements in North Sumatra. The Provincial Government remains committed to supporting higher education, research, innovation, and human resource development in building a competitive and prosperous North Sumatra,” he said.
Earlier, Prof. Drs. Saiful Anwar Matondang, M.A., Ph.D., Head of LLDIKTI Region I North Sumatra, emphasized the importance of collaboration in improving higher education performance.
“This collaborative initiative aims to strengthen the performance of higher education institutions. We hope these partnerships will continue to grow and provide lasting benefits for both students and lecturers,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Ir. Bilter A. Sirait, M.Si., Chairman of the Organizing Committee, explained that the program was designed to strengthen academic culture, enhance the quality of higher education, and consolidate collaboration among private universities in North Sumatra.
“This initiative seeks to foster a stronger academic culture, improve institutional quality, and reinforce collaboration among private universities. The integration of the ’10 Trees of Knowledge’ is expected to enhance the competitiveness and quality of higher education in North Sumatra,” he explained.
He added that the program aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting quality education and developing adaptive, globally competitive human resources.
“We sincerely appreciate the support of 118 private universities and approximately 50,000 members of the academic community across Indonesia, including UMSU, for making this initiative possible,” he said.
Finally, Tri Muliono, Senior Manager of the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI), expressed hope that the ’10 Trees of Knowledge’ movement would become a symbol of Indonesia’s educational renaissance.
“We hope this marks the beginning of a new era for Indonesian education. May the Trees of Knowledge planted today continue to bring lasting benefits and contribute to the nation’s progress,” he concluded.
