BRIN: UMM is the Most Aggressive-Progressive Private University in Collaborating with Industry
The Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Prof Arif Satria, praised Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) for its continuous transformation into an innovation-based university. According to him, the renowned campus known as UMM is the most aggressive and progressive private higher education institution in building concrete collaborations with the industrial world.
“I see UMM as the private higher education institution that is most aggressive and progressive in relating to industry. In line with its motto, ‘Independent and Impactful Innovation,’ this shows strong signs that UMM is transforming into an innovation university,” said Prof Arif during a guest lecture titled “Socialisation of BRIN’s National Research Direction Policy” at the UMM Senate Meeting Room in Malang, East Java, on Saturday (9/5/2026).
The transition to an innovation university requires an educational institution not only to focus on creating basic knowledge (basic research) or building advanced laboratories. The campus must also strengthen applied research and linkages with the industrial world (industrial engagement).
Arif appreciated UMM’s aggressive steps, which he deemed very appropriate to bridge the phenomenon of the valley of death (research death valley). This refers to the condition in which many campus innovations “wither before developing” because they fail to be absorbed by real market needs.
Arif explained the urgency of research amid threats of climate crises, geopolitical changes, and massive technological disruptions, such as agentic artificial intelligence and energy transitions.
He openly invited UMM to maximise BRIN’s facilities and utilise joint funding schemes.
Specifically, this former rector of IPB University challenged UMM researchers to tackle the processing of critical minerals, such as rare earth contained in the Lapindo mud. Moreover, the operational location is not far from the UMM campus, both in East Java.
In response to BRIN’s challenge and appreciation, UMM Rector Prof Nazaruddin Malik stated that UMM is consolidating all its potential into a solution centre of excellence (CoE) ecosystem.