Surakarta, 21 November 2025 – Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Karanganyar Regency, marking a strategic effort to strengthen regional development through the university’s Catur Dharma.
The signing ceremony, held in the BPH Meeting Room, was attended by UMS Rector Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, M.Hum., who emphasized that the collaboration serves as an important momentum for strengthening institutional synergy.
“We are grateful to unite and align our hearts, to bring together our potential, in order to reinforce the two pillars—Karanganyar Regency and UMS,” he stated.
Prof. Harun further highlighted UMS’s commitment to maximizing the region’s potential through the implementation of Catur Dharma programs that will be intensified in Karanganyar.
“To increase student intake from Karanganyar Regency, the prerequisite is that we will strengthen our Catur Dharma activities, one of which will be focused in Karanganyar,” he added.
The Rector also clarified that the collaboration was not influenced by the fact that UMS alumni currently serve as the regent and vice-regent, but rather because Karanganyar inherently holds strong potential.
“Karanganyar itself is attractive,” he affirmed.
The Regent of Karanganyar, Rober Christanto, S.E., M.M., accompanied by Vice-Regent H. Adhe Eliana, S.E., expressed optimism regarding the cooperative initiative. According to him, the region possesses significant potential comparable to other leading areas such as Malang, although its academic development is still in progress—now supported by the establishment of Universitas Muhammadiyah Karanganyar (UMUKA) under UMS’s guidance.
“We ask for collaboration and support from UMS to come to Karanganyar. We need research, or perhaps community empowerment,” the Regent conveyed.
He also shared the regional government’s intention to optimize locally generated revenue (PAD) and maximize strategic assets through collaboration with investors, facilitated in part by UMS’s academic expertise and networks.
Furthermore, he emphasized Karanganyar’s readiness to synergize with UMS programs ranging from community empowerment and KKN to promotional and educational activities. The Regent also expressed gratitude for UMS’s continued support for UMUKA, noting its positive contribution to regional academic growth.
“With this collaboration between Karanganyar and UMS, we truly hope it will bring significant impact to both Karanganyar Regency and UMS. Let’s move forward together,” he concluded.
The Regent also reaffirmed his confidence in UMS’s academic excellence and reputation, which continues to bring strength and pride to the wider community.
