Diktilitbang Muhammadiyah Leader Urges UMS Alumni to Go Global

Chairman of the Higher Education, Research, and Development Council of Muhammadiyah Central Board, Prof. Dr. Bambang Setiaji, M.Si., attended the third graduation ceremony of the 2024/2025 period at the KH Ahmad Dahlan Edutorium, UMS, on Saturday (12/4/2025).

The former Rector of UMS (2005–2017) was present to celebrate the graduation of his son, Rayhan, who completed his studies in the Accounting Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business, UMS. Bambang was also entrusted with delivering a speech on behalf of the graduates’ parents at the ceremony.

In his speech, he reminded graduates to always be grateful to their parents for their sacrifices in funding their children's education.

“Some of them (parents) even held back their own needs to pay for your education,” said Bambang.

Former UMS Rector Prof. Dr. Bambang Setiaji, M.Si., receiving a bouquet from his son who graduated today. (UMS Public Relations/Imam Safii)

Bambang encouraged UMS graduates to pursue knowledge and career opportunities not just in Indonesia, but across the globe. Exploring the world, he said, is essential for understanding diverse cultures and human characters, while also spreading ideas to every corner of the earth.

“One example is the spread of Islam, which was disseminated through world exploration,” he emphasized.

The moment turned emotional when Bambang Setiaji’s son, Rayhan, presented a bouquet of flowers to both of his parents. The atmosphere suddenly grew lively, filled with applause from the graduates who packed the Edutorium.

Speaking after the degree handover, Bambang expressed his gratitude and pride in his son’s achievements. He also encouraged Rayhan and the other graduates to keep learning and striving, even amid global uncertainties. He remains optimistic that many career and education opportunities are still open in other parts of the world.

“My message to these young people is not only to continue learning, but also to become entrepreneurs. Don't limit yourselves to Java or just Indonesia,” he added.

Pursuing a master's degree is Rayhan's plan after earning his bachelor's degree. Although he has yet to choose a specific university, he already has a field of study and country in mind.

“I plan to continue my studies in the UK. Maybe I’ll try applying for the LPDP scholarship,” Rayhan said.

Writer: Gede Arga Adrian

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid