UMS New Rector Outlines Eight Strategic Priorities

The newly appointed Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, M.Hum introduced eight strategic priorities under the concept of “university leadership,” which are designed systematically and with impact orientation to support UMS transformation into a World Class University (WCU) Leader Market.

These eight priorities include improving the quality of human resources, implementing a more focused student selection and development process, and strengthening the university’s financial independence. Additionally, he emphasized the modernization of systems, infrastructure, and governance, alongside efforts to ensure that UMS graduates, research, and community service deliver real societal impact.

“We aim to lead UMS toward becoming a World Class University Leader Market. I ask for your support and prayers so that this vision and mission can soon be realized,” Harun said during the Inauguration Ceremony of the UMS Rector for the 2025–2029 term, held at the Moh. Djazman Auditorium, UMS Campus I, on Wednesday (23/4/2025).

Signing of the oath of office document by the newly appointed Rector of UMS for the 2025–2029 term, Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, M.Hum., at the Moh. Djazman Auditorium, UMS, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (UMS Public Relations/Imam Safii)

Harun’s vision is further reinforced through the screening of a profile video outlining his leadership direction and strategies for the future. He aims to lead UMS into global competition through concrete and measurable steps.

He concludes his remarks by extending deep appreciation to his predecessors who had significantly contributed to UMS rise as a leading university in Indonesia, as well as to the entire academic community, Muhammadiyah Central Board, and public for their continuous support of the university’s development.

The inauguration marked the beginning of a new era at UMS, ushered in by the newly elected rector's vision of “Sustainable Progressive Transformation.”

The inauguration and handover ceremony began with the reading of the official decree from the Central Board of Muhammadiyah (No. 168/KEP/I.0/D/D/2025) regarding the appointment of the new UMS Rector. It was followed by the signing of the oath of office and the formal handover of documents from the outgoing rector, Prof. Dr. Sofyan Anif, M.Si.

“UMS must be led in a progressive and modern way. One piece of advice I would like to give to the next leadership is to continue the good governance that has been established,” said Sofyan Anif to the incoming rector.

Prof. Dr. Sofyan Anif, M.Si., UMS Rector for the 2017–2025 term, delivered his remarks at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta for the 2025–2029 term, held at the Moh. Djazman Auditorium, UMS, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (UMS Public Relations/Imam Safii)

As his term came to an end, he expressed hope that the baton of leadership would be carried forward with a spirit of innovation, without neglecting the solid governance foundation that has been built.

The inauguration was witnessed by Prof. Dr. Irwan Akhib, M.Pd., Chair of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah for Education, Culture, and Sports; Dr. Bhimo Widyo Andoko, S.H., M.H., Head of LLDIKTI Region VI, as well as university leaders, faculty members, lecturers, student representatives, and representatives from partner institutions.

Writer: Genis Dwi Gustati

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid