MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - A total of 809 students graduated from Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) on Thursday, 29 October 2026, marking the final day of the university's second graduation period of 2026. The ceremony took place at Gedung Selecta in Medan, bringing together graduates from the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FIKTI), and the Faculty of Agriculture.
Of the 809 graduates, 339 came from the Faculty of Engineering, 297 from FIKTI and 173 from the Faculty of Agriculture. They were among 2,657 graduates awarded degrees over the three-day ceremony, marking the completion of their higher education and the beginning of their professional journeys.
UMSU Rector Prof. Dr Akrim, M.Pd., used his address to highlight student achievements and the university's efforts to provide a broader educational experience. He said UMSU continued to strengthen both academic and non-academic learning to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for employment and meaningful contributions to society.
"Throughout their studies at UMSU, we have continued to strive to provide our students with a good learning experience, both academically and non-academically," he said.
International Experience and Student Innovation
Akrim explained that UMSU encouraged students to participate in programmes designed to broaden their horizons, strengthen their skills and expose them to academic and professional environments beyond the campus. These initiatives form part of the university's strategy to develop capable, high-achieving and trustworthy graduates.
"From what we can see, UMSU is certainly no ordinary university, but a top university," he stressed.
The programmes include the International Short Course & Community Service on ASEAN, the Student Organisation Capacity Building Programme (PPK Ormawa), Student Mobility, and international community service placements (Kuliah Kerja Nyata, or KKN) in Malaysia and Thailand. Students have also gained practical experience in agriculture through vegetable hydroponics projects in Malaysia and internship opportunities at PTPN.
These activities give students opportunities to strengthen their teamwork, adapt to unfamiliar environments and apply knowledge acquired during their studies. International exposure also helps them understand social challenges and community needs from a broader perspective.
Alongside its academic and international programmes, UMSU encourages students to develop innovations with commercial potential. One example is Morilac, a powdered milk product made from moringa leaves, goat's milk and palm sugar.
The university plans to apply for a patent for the innovation and prepare it as a product to serve guests at the 49th Muhammadiyah Congress. Morilac demonstrates how education, student creativity and the use of locally sourced ingredients can come together to produce an innovative product.
The initiative also gives students opportunities to learn about product development, intellectual property protection and the commercialisation of their work. In this way, education extends beyond theoretical knowledge to encourage ideas that can be developed into products with added value.
UMSU students have also achieved success in various sporting and martial arts competitions. These accomplishments underline the importance of developing talents beyond the classroom while helping students build discipline, teamwork and determination.
UMSU RECTOR HIGHLIGHTS STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS: UMSU Rector Prof. Dr Akrim, M.Pd., outlines
student achievements through international programmes, product innovation, and academic and non-academic competitions. (PHOTO: Dr. H. Muhammad Said Harahap)
UMSU's Reputation and National Recognition
Akrim also outlined institutional achievements that have strengthened UMSU's position in the higher education sector. In 2026, the university secured third place in the Private Higher Education Institution category at the Mandaya Awards, organised by the Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment.
UMSU has also received several forms of international recognition. These include recognition from Malaysia's Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), accreditation from the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA), and a position of 445th in the QS Asia University Rankings.
The university is also listed in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and UniRank. These achievements form part of its efforts to expand its academic reputation and strengthen confidence in the quality of its education.
However, institutional recognition must go hand in hand with graduates' ability to apply their knowledge, respond to community needs and adapt to changes in the workplace. Educational success depends not only on the number of graduates or the recognition an institution receives, but also on alumni's ability to develop their skills, produce innovations and uphold integrity.
UMSU sees the development of graduate quality as essential to its long-term progress. Academic competence, practical experience, creativity and strong character are expected to equip alumni for challenges across a range of professional fields.
Graduates Urged to Prepare for Competition
Prof. Dr H. Hasyimsyah Nasution, M.A., Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership of North Sumatra, emphasised the importance of preparing graduates for competition. He highlighted the challenges facing young people, particularly Generation Z, as they enter professional environments that demand competence, resilience and adaptability.
According to Hasyimsyah, one concern in society arises when people feel their abilities may not be sufficient to meet the level of competition they face. Graduates therefore need to recognise their strengths, plan for the future and continue improving their capabilities.
"Competition is an integral part of life; it is natural. The question is whether we are ready," he said.
He also highlighted the role of Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan education at Muhammadiyah universities, including UMSU. Such education provides not only religious understanding but also helps shape students' character, giving them a strong moral foundation and sense of personal responsibility.
Through this approach, UMSU is expected to produce graduates who combine academic competence with ethical conduct, accountability and concern for others. These qualities are essential to competing fairly while maintaining integrity in professional life and contributing to society.
UMSU Chairman of the Daily Supervisory Board (BPH), Prof. Dr Agussani, M.AP., also highlighted developments in the university's governance. He said its achievements at national and international levels demonstrated UMSU's capacity to grow and compete with both public and private higher education institutions.
"We are grateful that the management framework developed by the university has continued to demonstrate impressive quality year after year, both in governance and in recognition at home and abroad. This proves that UMSU can compete with both public and private universities," he said.
Agussani added that UMSU's focus extended beyond academic education to developing graduates who could think creatively, turn ideas into practical initiatives and contribute across different areas of life.
He expressed hope that alumni would maintain their relationship with their alma mater and share insights and suggestions based on their experiences in the workplace. Sustained engagement between graduates and the university can facilitate knowledge exchange and help improve educational quality.
UMSU GRADUATES URGED TO PREPARE FOR COMPETITION: Prof. Dr H. Hasyimsyah Nasution, M.A., Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership of North Sumatra, stresses the importance of preparing for competition and strengthening graduates' character. (PHOTO: Dr. H. Muhammad Said Harahap)
Cambodian Graduate Shares Her Experience
Among the graduates, Ary Saima from Cambodia brought a personal perspective to the ceremony. She shared her experience of studying in Medan and completing her degree without her parents being present because of the distance between them.
Her journey reflects the challenges international students can face when pursuing education away from their home countries. Alongside academic ability, they need perseverance, independence and the readiness to live far from their families.
Her presence also reflects the diversity of UMSU's student community. Studying across national borders allows students to encounter different cultures, build relationships and broaden their perspectives throughout their higher education.
The second graduation period of 2026 marks the end of one stage of education for thousands of
UMSU graduates. Having completed their studies, they now face the challenge of applying their knowledge and skills in real-world settings, developing their potential and responding to the changing needs of society.
Through stronger academic and non-academic experiences, international programmes, student innovation and character education, UMSU has reaffirmed its commitment to an approach to education that goes beyond graduation. The university hopes its alumni will take their competence, integrity and commitment to progress into professional fields across Indonesia and internationally. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Dr. H. Muhammad Said Harahap | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala