Three Candidates Chosen in UMS Rector Election Awaiting PP Muhammadiyah Decision

The University Senate of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) has selected three final candidates for the 2025–2029 rectoral period through a democratic process involving deliberation and e-voting.

Out of 65 votes cast, the three selected candidates are: Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, M.Hum., Prof. Dr. Muhammad Da’i, Apt., and Prof. Ir. Supriyono, Ph.D.

These three names will be submitted to the Central Board Muhammadiyah and will proceed to the plenary session for further deliberation.

The seven candidates for the new UMS Rector for the 2025–2029 term. (Imam Safii / UMS Public Relations)

The Chairman of the UMS Daily Advisory Board (BPH), Drs. Marpuji Ali, M.Si., stated on this occasion that UMS, with its long journey, has established itself as a university recognized for its achievements and progress. In addition to preparing future scholars, UMS also strives to cultivate individuals who embody uswatun khasanah (exemplary character).

Humans are servants of Allah who have been chosen as His khalifah (stewards) on Earth, even though Allah had previously offered this role to other creations. Marpuji Ali encouraged attendees to be good leaders.

“Therefore, we invite everyone to guide UMS toward future progress. We must truly embrace our role as Allah’s best creation, ahsanu taqwim (the most excellent form of creation),” he stated on Tuesday (4/2/2025)), at the Mohammad Djazman Auditorium.

On this Rector Election Day, he continued, it will be revealed whether we truly embody ahsanu taqwim or not. This is because elections often see moments of discord, which arise when people fail to uphold the qualities of ahsanu taqwim.

“Those who are destined to be elected today are indeed worthy individuals, capable of leading and guiding UMS toward a promising future,” he stated.

UMS Senate members conducted e-voting to elect the new rector. (Imam Safii / UMS Public Relations)

On this special and historic day, UMS Rector Prof. Dr. Sofyan Anif, M.Si., explained that the UMS Rector Election mechanism had been meticulously designed to be democratic. He mentioned that several university rectors had reached out to him regarding UMS’s process of presenting candidates' visions and missions.

“This has become a reference for other universities in conducting democratic elections,” said Sofyan Anif.

Anif also emphasized that, following Muhammadiyah's tradition, rector candidates do not nominate themselves; rather, they are selected and then asked for their willingness to run. The process then continues with vision and mission presentations, voting, and ultimately, a plenary session at the Muhammadiyah Central Board.

“We leave everything to Allah. Surely, Allah will decree what is best for us,” he advised UMS Senate members.

In his closing remarks, he expressed his hope that the elected rector would embrace the visions and missions of the other candidates, highlighting that true democracy finds its beauty when seen as an act of worship.

Penulis: Maysali

Translator: Rizal

Editor: Al Habiib