UMS and Wonogiri Join Forces to Enhance Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi

Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) has officially extended its partnership with the Wonogiri Regency Government in carrying out the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi. The signing of this MoU marks an important milestone for UMS in continuing collaborations that bring positive impacts to the people of Wonogiri.

Rector of UMS, Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, M.Hum., stated that this renewed cooperation represents UMS’s commitment to upholding the principle of “running far” (lari jauh) in creating long-term impacts for society. The phrase “running far” reflects a vision of sustainable development achieved through strong partnerships.

“UMS wants to run far, not run fast. Running far must be done together. UMS’s success would not be possible without synergy with local governments, especially Wonogiri,” said Harun on Thursday (16/10/2025).

Rector of UMS, Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, M.Hum. (right), and the Regent of Wonogiri, Setyo Sukarno, after signing the MoU on the Implementation of the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi, 15 October 2025. Doc. Public Relations of UMS.

He went on to explain that UMS is ranked among the top 10 universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and is recognized as one of the best private universities in Indonesia. One contributing factor, he noted, is that UMS currently offers 80 study programs, including 12 postgraduate programs.

Harun also elaborated on the development of Muhammadiyah’s institutional network. UMS has established cooperation with Universitas Muhammadiyah Antarbangsa Malaysia (UMAM), which is currently undergoing transformation under Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education. Meanwhile, Universitas Muhammadiyah Indonesia (UNISMA) Bekasi was officially established on 28 August 2025.

“At present, I have been assigned by the Board of Trustees (BP) to serve as the President of the UNISMA Acquisition. So, Muhammadiyah now not only has a university abroad, UMAM, Universitas Muhammadiyah Antarbangsa Malaysia. but has also established a new university, UNISMA, which was officially founded on 28 August,” he explained.

The renewal of this collaboration is not merely a formality but a shared commitment to building community welfare together. Harun reaffirmed UMS’s dedication to education, not only through theoretical learning in classrooms but also through direct engagement and learning alongside the community.

“It’s not only about learning to know in the classroom but also learning to do and learning to live together with the community,” emphasized the UMS Rector.

The Regent of Wonogiri, Setyo Sukarno, presented an overview of Wonogiri Regency, which consists of 25 districts, 251 villages, and 43 urban wards, with a total population of 1,054,623 people. Setyo also reported that the poverty rate in Wonogiri has decreased by 1.1 percent.

“Based on the National Socioeconomic Survey, our poverty rate has now decreased to a single digit,9.59 percent. This is a remarkable improvement, as it represents a 1.1 percent reduction,” he explained.

He further elaborated that the Wonogiri Regency Government has implemented several flagship programs, including free education for elementary (SD) and junior high school (SMP) students, as well as scholarships for outstanding youth. The scholarship program for outstanding university students has been running since 2024, covering 818 students.

“With increased efficiency, we have adjusted the scholarship allocation to Rp 7.5 billion, which will cover around 605 students,” he stated.

During the interview session, the Regent of Wonogiri expressed that the tangible outcome of the collaboration with UMS is that the community has become more educated through the research conducted by both UMS students and lecturers.

“Our community has become more educated through this collaboration. Students and lecturers have conducted research that provides motivation and inspiration for the people, helping them grow and develop, especially in the fields of economy and education,” he explained.

He further added that another tangible result of this partnership is the assistance program for UMKM. UMS has provided guidance in areas such as product packaging and presentation, which has had a significant impact on small business owners in Wonogiri Regency.

With the renewal of the MoU on Wednesday (15/10/2025), UMS and the Wonogiri Regency Government reaffirmed their commitment to continuously optimize the implementation of the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi, education, research, and community service. for mutual progress and the welfare of the people of Wonogiri.

Writer: Aisyah Izzatuddini Rahma, Roselia Puspita Asri

Editor: Fika Annisa Sholihah

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid