Rector Candidates Present Vision and Mission for UMS Leadership 2025-2029

Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) held the Presentation and Discussion of Vision, Mission, and Work Programs of the UMS Rector Candidates for the 2025-2029 Term at the Mohammad Djazman Auditorium, UMS Campus 1, on Monday morning (3/2/2025).

The Chairman of the UMS Daily Advisory Board (BPH), Drs. H. Marpuji Ali, M.Si., delivered a tausiyah (religious speech) during the presentation event for the rector candidates' vision and mission for the 2025-2029 term.

In his speech, Marpuji Ali emphasized the importance of maintaining and enhancing UMS' achievements so that it continues to grow in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape.

Marpuji recounted that UMS has undergone a long journey since its establishment in 1958, before officially becoming a university in 1980. Therefore, the entire academic community holds a great responsibility to ensure the sustainability and advancement of UMS.

He firmly stated that the continuity of UMS must be well maintained. This is not only about preserving the achievements that have been attained but also about developing and enhancing them.

“In an increasingly competitive environment, if we do not continuously improve and elevate our accomplishments, then one day, what we have achieved could be lost,” said Marpuji.

Marpuji also emphasized the importance of unity and togetherness in carrying out responsibilities as part of UMS. With a strong collective spirit, challenges and problems can be overcome more easily.

“UMS must continue to be a role model, just as Prophet Muhammad SAW was an uswah hasanah (exemplary figure) in his preaching. By upholding these values of exemplary leadership, UMS will continue to progress and develop,” he asserted.

Marpuji concluded his tausiyah with a prayer, asking for Allah SWT’s guidance and blessings upon the entire academic community of UMS, particularly so they can maintain unity and face challenges together.

On this occasion, UMS Rector, Prof. Dr. Sofyan Anif, M.Si., in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the committee that had been working since before November to prepare the mentorship and selection process for the rector candidates.

Remarks by UMS Rector Prof. Dr. Sofyan Anif, M.Si. in the Exposure and Discussion of Vision and Mission and Work Programs of UMS Rector Candidates for the 2025-2029 Term of Office at the UMS Mohammad Djazman Auditorium (3/2/2025). Luqman Hakim / UMS PR

According to him, each stage of the process has proceeded smoothly, leading up to the presentation of visions and missions by the candidates.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to the committee, which has been working tirelessly since November or even as early as October 2024 to facilitate the mentorship process. This is a crucial stage, and today, we have reached the presentation of visions and missions by the candidates,” he said.

Anif highlighted that this discussion reflects an academic spirit that differs from political debates. Each candidate receives unpredictable questions and is expected to provide their best responses.

“I trust that the candidates, who include vice rectors, former vice rectors, and other notable figures, already understand the challenges faced by UMS. I hope to see many valuable inputs from lecturers and students for the future of UMS,” Anif emphasized.

He also stressed that UMS is not just a university focused on academic achievements but also a Muhammadiyah leadership training center that must be further developed. Future challenges must be met with careful planning and maintaining a stable and conducive campus environment.

“I remind the candidates and their teams to compete in a warm manner, but not to the point of hostility. After the election, let us reunite for the advancement of UMS,” he added.

As a closing remark, the UMS Rector encouraged everyone to take a spiritual approach in the 2025-2029 rector election.

“Do not rely solely on strategies, but also pray and put your trust in Allah SWT. Personally, on the night before the election, I choose to worship and pray for the best outcome for UMS,” he concluded.

He further stated that this event is part of the selection and transparency process in the election of the next rector.

The presentation session was moderated by the Secretary of the Rector Election Committee, Nurgiyatna, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D. Each candidate was given five minutes to present their vision and mission, followed by a discussion session with panelists and the UMS academic community.

Meanwhile, UMS has officially announced seven rector candidates for the 2025-2029 term, namely:  (1) Prof. dr. Dr. Em Sutrisna, M.Kes.; (2) Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, M.Hum.; (3) Prof. Ihwan Susila, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D.; (4) Prof. Dr. Muhammad Da'i, M.Si., Apt.; (5) Rois Fatoni, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D.; (6) Prof. Ir. Sarjito, M.T., Ph.D.; (7) Prof. Supriyono, S.T., M.T., Ph.D.

The vision and mission presentation event was attended by various stakeholders, including university leadership, faculty members, and administrative staff.

Writer: Fika

Translator: Rizal

Editor: Genis