MEDAN — Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) has taken a decisive leap toward expanding its global academic footprint by signing an international Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Special Branch of Muhammadiyah (PCIM) for the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The landmark signing ceremony took place on Saturday (22/8) at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in London, located at 30 Great Peter Street, Westminster, London SW1P 2BU. Representing UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., the Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zailani, M.A., signed the accord alongside the Chairperson of PCIM UK & Ireland, Ince Dian Aprilyani Azir.
The ceremony was witnessed by notable figures, including the Chairman of Central Muhammadiyah (PP Muhammadiyah) for International Relations and Cooperation, Prof. Syafiq A. Mughni; the Indonesian Ambassador to the UK, Dr. Desra Percaya; and the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), Dr. Wajid Akhter.
In an official statement, UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., emphasized that this international collaboration is an integral part of the university’s roadmap to achieving World-Class University status. This strategic move aligns with ongoing institutional efforts to elevate the quality of higher education across all pillars of the Catur Dharma Perguruan Tinggi (Higher Education Quad-Dharma).
Under the agreement, PCIM UK & Ireland will act as a bridge connecting UMSU with several prestigious universities across Great Britain. This partnership opens extensive opportunities for joint research initiatives, visiting lecturer exchanges, international student community service programs (Kuliah Kerja Nyata or KKN), and overseas student internships.
The delegation sent to London underscores the aggressive internationalization policy advocated by Prof. Dr. Akrim, who continues to drive global engagement across all faculties, institutes, and academic units within UMSU.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Syafiq A. Mughni highlighted that Muhammadiyah operates as a wasathiyah (moderate) Islamic organization open to collaborating with any global entity that respects universal human values. He urged the leadership of PCIM UK & Ireland to continuously embody the selfless spirit of founder KH Ahmad Dahlan in advancing da’wah and educational contributions across the British Isles.
Concurrently, Dean Dr. Zailani reiterated that the collaboration reflects the Rector’s vision of encouraging cross-border innovation. Moving forward, both UMSU and PCIM UK & Ireland will formulate concrete steps to implement the strategic points. Key programs scheduled for the upcoming year include launching international KKN and student internship programs in London, as well as fostering joint research between UMSU academic staff and UK-based scholars.
This collaboration is expected to serve as a pivotal milestone for UMSU in broadening its international network while highlighting North Sumatra’s Muhammadiyah academic presence on the global stage. Notably, the ceremony was also attended by representatives of other prominent Indonesian Islamic organizations, such as Al Jam’iyatul Washliyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), reflecting strong inter-organizational unity abroad.
Special Branches of Muhammadiyah (PCIM) established in major international hubs—such as the UK, Germany, Egypt, and Australia—have evolved beyond socio-religious groups to become key facilitators of academic diplomacy. By serving as academic connectors, PCIM chapters assist Indonesian private and public universities in establishing formal ties with top-tier global research institutions, helping bridge infrastructural and networking gaps for Indonesian academics.
UMSU’s active push for internationalization reflects a broader effort within North Sumatra to raise the competitive standard of regional higher education. By facilitating overseas internships in London and fostering collaborative international publishing, local institutions aim to boost their QS World University Rankings and Webometrics standings. These initiatives provide North Sumatran students with direct exposure to global academic standards, enhancing the regional workforce’s international competitiveness.
