IKA UMS as a Source of Social and Intellectual Capital for Indonesia, Says Minister Abdul Mu'ti

The Alumni Family Association of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (IKA UMS) continues to demonstrate its existence as a powerful force supporting the development of the university and its alumni.

In the Inauguration of the Renewal of the Central Board (PP) of IKA UMS and Bukber Gayeng, Chairman of IKA UMS and Supervisory Board Member of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, Dr. M. Aditya Warman, S. Psi., MBA., along with the Rector of UMS, Prof. Dr. Sofyan Anif, M.Si., announced strategic programs aimed at strengthening alumni networks and their contributions to both academic and industrial sectors.

In his speech, Dr. M. Aditya Warman emphasized that the role of UMS alumni has become increasingly vital. UMS alumni not only have a voice in social networks but also in economic contributions and human resource development.

“Today, IKA UMS has substantial business capitalization, covering 167 types of businesses. One of them is a rambak (crackers) business, which has a turnover of 12 tons per month or a revenue of IDR 5 billion. This is clear evidence that UMS alumni have high competitiveness in the industrial world,” said the BPJS Supervisory Board member, Friday (14/3/2025) at Ndalem Joglo Kawijayan.

Not only in the business sector, Aditya Warman also highlighted the role of UMS alumni in academia and society. He shared that currently, many UMS alumni have become professors, authors, and leaders in various strategic institutions.

The atmosphere Inauguration of the Renewal of the Central Board (PP) IKA UMS along with the Bukber Gayeng at Ndalem Joglo Kawijayan. UMS PR/Eva.

“I myself have written 86 books and recently published an internationally recognized scientific journal. This shows that UMS alumni have extraordinary intellectual capacity, which must continue to be developed,” he added.

On this occasion, Sofyan Anif, the Rector of UMS, expressed his appreciation for the rapid development of IKA UMS in the past three years. According to him, IKA UMS has become a strategic partner for the university in achieving its vision of becoming a world-class university by 2029.

“I am very proud to see IKA UMS becoming increasingly active. Their role not only helps in branding UMS at the national and international levels but also in mentoring and training students and alumni to be ready to compete in the workforce. This is part of the ecosystem we have built together,” said the Rector of UMS.

Sofyan Anif also highlighted the role of alumni in education, one example being the inauguration of the Internasional school. This school will serve as a model with the integration of general curriculum and religious education, as well as a blended learning approach to cultivate excellent future generations.

The event was also attended by Indonesia’s Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu'ti, M. Ed., who shared his views on the important role of alumni in the advancement of national education.

“The existence of IKA UMS is not just about nostalgia, but a social, intellectual, and even political asset to strengthen UMS position as a leading educational institution. The widespread and accomplished alumni base is a key indicator in university accreditation evaluations. Therefore, the stronger the role of alumni, the higher the reputation of the university itself,” he explained during his speech.

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu'ti, M. Ed. giving a speech for IKA UMS. (UMS PR/Eva)

On this occasion, IKA UMS also announced a major plan to hold the Muhammadiyah Alumni Congress for Indonesia in September. This event will bring together 100 alumni entrepreneurs and important figures to discuss strategic steps in supporting the nation's education and economy.

“We hope that the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, along with 12 ministers, can attend this congress. This will be a great moment for Muhammadiyah alumni to make a tangible contribution to the nation and the country,” said the Chairman of IKA UMS.

IKA UMS continues to prove itself as a new force that not only brings pride to its alma mater but also makes a positive impact on the wider community.

Writer: Fika

Translator: Rizal