Surakarta, 22 October 2025 – Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) successfully hosted the Annual Meeting of the Association of International Affairs Offices (ASKUI) of Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (PTMA) 2025.
Held from October 20 to 22, the event gathered representatives from International Affairs Offices across PTMA universities throughout Indonesia.
This annual meeting served as a strategic forum to enhance synergy among Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah universities in the field of internationalization, while also strengthening academic and global networking. The agenda included strategic discussions, activity reports, and the formulation of future programs for ASKUI’s upcoming term.
Director of the Directorate of Reputation, Partnership, and International Affairs (DRKUI) UMS, Nurgiyatna, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., expressed his gratitude for the trust given to UMS as this year’s host. He emphasized the importance of the event as a momentum to strengthen solidarity among IAOs across PTMA and to accelerate Muhammadiyah’s global academic reputation.
“We are truly grateful to host this year’s Annual Meeting. May this event bring shared benefits and closer ties among Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah universities across Indonesia,” said Nurgiyatna during the closing session on Wednesday evening (22/10).
He also underscored that international collaboration among PTMA institutions should not only aim at academic achievements but also contribute to humanitarian outreach and global service.
According to him, Muhammadiyah’s campus internationalization must be seen as a moral movement—a way to spread rahmatan lil ‘alamin (universal goodness) across borders.
Meanwhile, Andy Dwi Bayu Bawono, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., Treasurer of the Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (Majelis Diktilitbang) of Muhammadiyah Central Board, appreciated ASKUI’s active role in strengthening PTMA’s position globally.
He praised ASKUI as one of the most progressive and impactful associations within the Muhammadiyah higher education network.
“ASKUI has shown tremendous progress and real impact. In just two years, the number of PTMA institutions achieving ‘Excellent’ accreditation has increased significantly — this is concrete evidence of ASKUI’s hard work,” said Andy.
He further highlighted the importance of sustainable collaboration among PTMA institutions, ensuring that internationalization initiatives continue to grow collectively and inclusively under Muhammadiyah’s spirit of togetherness.
During the meeting, Dr. Aidil, the newly appointed Chairman of ASKUI PTMA for the 2025–2027 period, introduced the new management team consisting of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.
He shared that the new leadership immediately convened to develop a set of priority programs for the next two years.
“InshaAllah, we will conduct a Global Monthly Study Forum focusing on internationalization themes such as international student recruitment, research grants, and cross-border academic collaboration,” explained Aidil.
He added that ASKUI’s upcoming initiatives will also include developing a PTMA Big Data system to support policy-making and to strengthen integration and global networking.
Another key priority is to assist 163 Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah universities—particularly those without established International Affairs Offices—to create and optimize their international offices.
“We hope the Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education continues to support ASKUI’s mission in enhancing PTMA’s global role. The spirit of collaboration and progressive da’wah will remain our guiding principle,” Aidil concluded.
The Annual Meeting ASKUI PTMA 2025 not only reinforced academic collaboration but also reaffirmed UMS’s and ASKUI’s shared commitment to building a globally connected, value-driven Muhammadiyah higher education network that advances knowledge and humanity.
