Surakarta, April 28, 2026 — Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) welcomed a visit from the Regional Development Planning, Research and Innovation Agency (Bapperida) of Sragen Regency as a follow-up to a previous meeting with the Regent of Sragen. The meeting took place at the Directorate of Research, Community Service, Publication, and Intellectual Property Center (DRPPS) UMS, Siti Walidah Main Building.
The visit focused on discussing the operational implementation of various strategic issues faced by the Sragen Regency Government, particularly efforts to reduce poverty and strengthen the local economy. One of the main focuses was updating and mapping data on low-income communities as a basis for more targeted assistance policies.
Sidiq Permono Nugroho, S.E., M.M., Head of Industrial Partnership Development Subdivision at the Directorate of Reputation, Partnership, and International Affairs (DRKUI) UMS, stated that UMS has the potential to be directly involved in data collection. Student involvement can also be optimized through community service programs (KKN) and internships integrated with community engagement activities.
“If possible, UMS can contribute to data collection. Students can also be involved through KKN or internship programs,” he said.
In addition, the collaboration is directed toward tourism village development, mosque-based entrepreneurship programs, and the provision of livable housing. In the mosque entrepreneur program, support is not only focused on infrastructure but also on economic management, including developing sustainable business plans.
“UMS is expected to assist in developing business models that align with each mosque’s potential,” Sidiq added.
Another program discussed was the concept of universal basic income based on the development of productive businesses in priority areas, aimed at creating sustainable income sources for the community.
Meanwhile, Deputy for Global Reputation Development at DRKUI UMS, Dr. Agus Ulinuha, M.T., stated that the regional government has shown strong enthusiasm for this collaboration. Several agreed programs include thematic KKN, research on the impact of inadequate housing, farmer empowerment, and the transformation of mosque functions.
Furthermore, the collaboration also includes research-based community service, tourism village management, and the development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map tourism potential in Sragen Regency.
A representative from Bapperida Sragen, Wahyu Wardani, expressed the local government’s readiness to support program implementation, including serving as a case study location. He emphasized that the livable housing program could involve students from civil engineering and architecture programs.
“We are ready to facilitate at the village level. Realistic designs can be directly implemented,” he said.
Director of DRPPS UMS, Prof. Ir. Sarjito, M.T., Ph.D., explained that program implementation will begin with joint discussions to identify needs and field challenges, followed by collaborative program formulation aligned with the regional budget plan.
“Community service activities will focus on human resource empowerment through training and mentoring, with evaluations conducted to measure program impact,” he explained.
The collaboration between UMS and the Sragen Regency Government has been formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) valid until December 19, 2027. Program implementation is expected to begin soon after technical discussions on research and community service are finalized.
Through this collaboration, UMS reaffirms its commitment as an impactful university, contributing meaningfully to development and improving community welfare.
