Tuesday, 29 September 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) officially opened its 2026 Campus Life Introduction Program for New Students (PKKMB) on Monday, September 28, 2026. A total of 6,027 freshmen are taking part in the program, which carries the theme "One Click, One Million Impacts." The opening ceremony was held at the UMSU campus on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
The opening of PKKMB 2026 was attended by numerous figures from the political, administrative and community sectors. Among the guests were Chairman of the Central Executive Board of Muhammadiyah (PP Muhammadiyah) Prof. Dr. Haedar Nashir, M.Si., Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Kapolri) General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, a deputy minister, the Regent of Deli Serdang, the Mayor of Medan, as well as members of regional legislative councils.The presence of the senior officials added significance to the reception of thousands of new students who are beginning their academic journey at UMSU.
Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Haedar Nashir, M.Si., reminded the new students in his address that being admitted to UMSU also marked their entry into the wider Muhammadiyah movement. According to Haedar, Muhammadiyah remains committed to promoting public welfare and advancing the education of the nation.
Haedar emphasized that education plays a strategic role in building a nation's civilization. Students, therefore, need to develop a strong learning culture, independence and the courage to take responsibility for addressing various challenges facing the nation."Education is a strategic pillar in gradually building a nation's civilization (thabaqan 'an thabaq). Learn from advanced countries around the world that have risen through a strong learning culture and independence. Never entrust the future to others, because the change in our nation's destiny lies in your hands as agents of change on the path toward a Golden Indonesia," Prof. Haedar Nashir said.
The message was among the central points delivered during the opening of PKKMB 2026. The new students are expected not only to pursue academic achievement but also to develop character, independence and a sense of responsibility as they prepare to become part of the country's future generation.
Kapolri General Listyo Sigit Prabowo subsequently delivered a public lecture for UMSU's new students. His presentation addressed various challenges in the digital sphere, including cross-border drug trafficking through digital platforms, online gambling, fraud involving social manipulation and the so-called bandwagon effect on social media.
According to the Kapolri, the rapid development of digital technology brings both opportunities and challenges. Students therefore need strong digital media literacy so they are not easily influenced by information flows that could contribute to social polarization.In addition to highlighting digital risks, the Kapolri urged students to take advantage of Indonesia's demographic dividend in the 2030–2035 period. The younger generation, he said, has an important role in helping Indonesia escape the so-called middle-income trap.
"Students are future leaders who must have a strong determination. You are not being educated in a world where everything is easy, but through the ability to adapt and maintain integrity in solving the nation's problems. Preserve unity amid diversity, stay away from drugs and become pioneers of a digital leadership culture in Indonesia," the Kapolri said, drawing applause from thousands of students in the auditorium.The Kapolri's message also called on students to use technological developments responsibly. The digital sphere, he said, should serve as a platform for ideas and innovations that provide tangible benefits to society.
Bobby also reminded students that they must adapt to increasingly rapid technological developments. They should continue to develop their skills and creativity so that they do not remain merely users of modern technology.
"In line with today's theme, UMSU students in the era of artificial intelligence and rapid technological development must not merely become digital consumers. Instead, they must be capable of becoming producers, innovators and creators of competitive works," Bobby said.Meanwhile, UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., described the opening of PKKMB 2026 as a special moment for the university. This year, UMSU has admitted 6,027 new students to undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs.
With the addition of the new students, the total number of active students at UMSU has reached 29,617. The growth in student enrollment also represents a major responsibility for the university to continuously improve the quality of education and academic services.The rector also emphasized that UMSU's identity as an Islamic university under Muhammadiyah does not mean that people from other religious backgrounds are excluded from studying there.
More than 1,000 non-Muslim students are currently enrolled at UMSU. According to the rector, their presence reflects an academic environment based on tolerance, safety and equal rights in accessing education.In addition to students from different religious backgrounds, UMSU also accepts international students from Asia and Africa. In 2026, the university admitted 46 new international students, bringing the total number of active international students from various countries to 117.
"This development is a great trust placed in us by society. UMSU will continue its commitment to becoming an outstanding, trusted and inclusive campus. Among the new students are hundreds from different religious backgrounds, as well as international students from various countries," the rector said.The diversity also demonstrates UMSU's openness in developing an academic environment that respects differences. According to the rector, the presence of students from diverse backgrounds contributes to strengthening the universal values of a progressive and inclusive Islam.
UMSU is also preparing to serve as the host of the 49th Muktamar of Muhammadiyah and 'Aisyiyah, scheduled to take place in 2027. In preparation for the major event, the university is accelerating construction of the Integrated Campus in Deli Serdang Regency on an area of approximately 25 hectares.The planned facilities include the Berkemajuan Auditorium and a sports hall. The infrastructure is intended to support academic and organizational activities, as well as major events organized by Muhammadiyah and 'Aisyiyah.
In addition to its profile as an inclusive university, UMSU also maintains an educational partnership with the Indonesian National Police. Currently, 59 police officers are pursuing further education at UMSU, adding to the number of police personnel who have previously completed their studies at the university.
One of the police officers currently studying at UMSU is Bripda Garal Habibi Sembiring, an active student at the UMSU Faculty of Law.During the opening of PKKMB 2026, UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., introduced Bripda Garal Habibi Sembiring to Kapolri General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, M.Si. In 2026, Bripda Garal Habibi won third place in the national Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur'an (MTQ) in the Hifzil Qur'an category for ten Juz.
During the event, Bripda Garal Habibi was also given the opportunity to recite verses from the Holy Qur'an in front of the Kapolri and other distinguished guests. His recitation was among the moments that drew particular attention during the opening ceremony of PKKMB 2026.The event continued with the presentation of souvenirs from PP Muhammadiyah and the UMSU rector to the Kapolri. The distinguished guests then took part in a joint photo session with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda).
A cultural performance by the UMSU Student Orchestra added to the festive atmosphere. With the series of activities, the academic journey of UMSU's 6,027 new students officially began. At the same time, the campus was presented as a place for education, character development and the strengthening of young people's capabilities in responding to the challenges of a changing era. (IDNC)REPORTER: H. Muhammad Said Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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