Surakarta, October 16, 2025 – Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) has officially renewed its collaboration with the Government of Wonogiri through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. This renewal marks a significant milestone in UMS’s ongoing efforts to deliver meaningful contributions and positive impact to the people of Wonogiri.
UMS Rector, Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, M.Hum., emphasized that the extended collaboration reflects UMS’s commitment to the principle of “lari jauh (running far)” — a vision for long-term, sustainable progress achieved through collective synergy with strategic partners.
“UMS aims to run far, not fast. Running far requires collaboration and consistency. Our success would not be possible without strong synergy with local governments, particularly Wonogiri,” stated Prof. Harun.
He further highlighted UMS’s academic achievements, noting that the university is ranked among the Top 10 universities in Indonesia based on the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, while also being recognized as the best private university (PTS) in the country. Currently, UMS offers 80 academic programs, including 12 postgraduate programs, all designed to uphold academic excellence and innovation.
Prof. Harun also shared the development of UMS’s broader Muhammadiyah higher education network, which includes strategic collaboration with Universitas Muhammadiyah Antarbangsa Malaysia (UMAM)—currently undergoing transformation under Malaysia’s Ministry of Education—and the establishment of a new university, Universitas Muhammadiyah Indonesia (UNISMA) Bekasi, officially inaugurated on August 28, 2025.
“I have been entrusted by the Supervisory Board to serve as President of the UNISMA Acquisition Committee. Alongside UMAM in Malaysia, Muhammadiyah now has another major educational institution at home — UNISMA — further strengthening our global and national presence,” he explained.
The renewed MoU, Prof. Harun continued, is not merely ceremonial but a commitment to advancing community welfare through sustainable educational collaboration. He underscored that UMS’s approach to education goes beyond classroom learning — emphasizing hands-on experience and community engagement as integral to holistic learning.
“Education at UMS is not only about learning to know in the classroom, but also learning to do and learning to live together with the community,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Wonogiri Regent, Setyo Sukarno, presented the regional development progress of Wonogiri Regency. Comprising 25 districts, 251 villages, and 43 urban wards with a population exceeding 1 million, Wonogiri has recorded a 1.1 percent reduction in poverty, bringing the rate down to 9.59 percent.
“Our people have become more educated and empowered through this collaboration with UMS. Research and community engagement activities conducted by UMS students and lecturers have inspired and motivated residents, particularly in the fields of education and economy,” said the Regent.
He also highlighted the tangible outcomes of the partnership, such as UMS’s support for local MSMEs, including mentoring in product packaging and marketing, which has significantly improved the competitiveness of Wonogiri’s local entrepreneurs.
Through the renewed MoU signed on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, UMS and the Government of Wonogiri Regency reaffirm their shared commitment to enhancing the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education—education, research, and community service—toward collective progress and the welfare of the Wonogiri community.
