81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia: UMS Rector Calls on Academic Community to Strengthen Gratitude and Synergy

Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) commemorated the 81st Anniversary (HUT) of the Republic of Indonesia by holding a flag-raising ceremony for the Sang Saka Merah Putih on Monday (17/8/2026). Carrying the spirit of "A Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia," the ceremony became a moment for the UMS academic community to look back on the journey traveled so far while preparing for the road ahead.

In his address, UMS Rector Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, M.Hum., linked the commemoration of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day with UMS's 68th Milad, which he said also serves as a moment to reflect on UMS's own journey and development.

According to Harun, there are three things that should serve as the foundation for understanding this moment. The first pillar is gratitude. "The first pillar is the pillar of constant gratitude," Harun stressed.

He reminded the audience that the existence of Indonesia, the Muhammadiyah movement, 'Aisyiyah, and UMS is all part of a long journey that deserves to be met with gratitude. Because of this, he said, the UMS academic community must continue to honor UMS's founders, the heroes who fought for Indonesia's independence, and the founders of Muhammadiyah-'Aisyiyah since 1912.

UMS Rector Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, M.Hum., leads the reading of Pancasila for participants at the 81st Indonesian Independence Day commemoration ceremony. Photo: UMS Public Relations. 

The second pillar Harun spoke of is prayer. According to him, prayer is an important part of giving meaning to independence as well as to UMS's path forward.

He also called on the academic community to turn their attention to communities currently facing disaster in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and Flores.

"In particular, the clothing I'm wearing today, along with my colleagues, reflects a part of our Indonesian-ness. What I'm wearing specifically is meant to remind us, to bring us all closer to our brothers and sisters who have been affected by disaster in NTT and Flores," he said.

Meanwhile, Harun continued, the next expression of gratitude can be realized by maintaining and developing UMS. He views UMS's growth over the past 68 years as the result of a long process that must continue to be nurtured together.

"One expression of that gratitude is that we've been able to manage, maintain, develop, and grow UMS since it was founded 68 years ago," he said.

One sign of that growth can be seen in the number of study programs UMS now offers. UMS currently has 86 study programs across various levels, from bachelor's, professional, and master's, to doctoral programs.

Harun also reminded everyone that UMS's existence is not just about the number of study programs or institutional growth. The knowledge and skills gained while at UMS, he said, are meant to be carried out into the world and put to use for the benefit of society.

He called on lecturers, education support staff, security personnel, and outsourced workers alike to help spread the experience and knowledge they've gained through their time within the UMS community.

"Because the essence of work is lillahi ta'ala yuhibbu. So within our work, I believe there are two elements: the first is lillahi ta'ala (for the sake of Allah), and the second is yuhibbu (loving it). To achieve professionalism, it must be lillahi ta'ala, and that foundation of illahi ta'ala must then be developed and perfected into yuhibbu," he said.

In his address, Harun also reported on the progress of UMS's New Student Admissions (PMB). As of 17 August 2026, the number of PMB applicants at UMS had reached around 27,900 people, while the number of students who had completed registration reached 7,516.

Closing his address, Harun called on all elements of UMS to move forward together. According to him, the synergy and potential held by each part of the university need to be united so that UMS not only holds a strong reputation, but also delivers a real and sustained impact.

Writer: Maysali Sudarwati

Editor: Fika Annisa Sholihah

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid