Indonesia's Education Minister Visits Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta to Strengthen Research and Campus Development
SOLO – The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek) of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof Brian Yuliarto, conducted a visit to Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. The visit was received directly by the UMS Rector in the Rector’s Office within the Siti Walidah Main Building at UMS.
In discussions with the university leadership, the Education Minister expressed appreciation for UMS’s progressive development, particularly in strengthening research and academic advancement. The Ministry and UMS discussed various collaboration opportunities, especially in research development and cooperation regarding access to international journals.
“Several matters we discussed included how to develop research, and also the Memorandum of Understanding that we will establish with UMS regarding access to several journals,” stated Brian.
The Minister also assessed UMS as one of the higher education institutions demonstrating significant progress. He noted that the progressive spirit demonstrated by UMS is hoped to continue, particularly in producing impactful research. “We see UMS as very progressive. We hope it can continue with various research initiatives,” he added.
Beyond research strengthening, discussions also touched upon academic development concepts and the expansion of campus networks around UMS and across various regions in Indonesia. The government will continue providing support for such development, according to Brian. “Of course, from the ministry we will continue providing support. Our congratulations to UMS; we hope this development continues steadily,” he stated.
UMS Rector Prof Harun Joko Prayitno explained that the Minister’s visit was a follow-up to earlier discussions regarding research development oriented towards commercialisation value and downstream utilisation. According to Harun, before assuming his ministerial role, Brian Yuliarto had offered various ideas regarding strengthening research based on downstream utilisation that could provide tangible impact for society and the industrial sector.
“We specifically invited the Minister to UMS to follow up on his earlier insights about research development oriented towards commercialisation and downstream value,” he explained.
During the visit, UMS also outlined its future development direction, encompassing academic strengthening, institutional development, improved research quality and community service, and strengthened institutional reputation.
Harun also revealed that UMS is currently expanding its educational network through the development of sister campuses in various regions. He noted that UMS currently has a sister campus at Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur (UMKT). In future, UMS plans to develop a new campus network in Bali named Universitas Bali Internasional Muhammadiyah, and plans to establish a campus in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan.
“UMS serves as a principal driver in providing quality Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah education from Sabang to Merauke,” stated Harun.
According to Harun, the Minister’s response was highly supportive of UMS’s direction. The Education Minister expressed appreciation for the development initiative and committed to supporting the launch of sister campus networks for Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (PTMA) across various regions of Indonesia.