Thursday, 08 October 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya has called on the Alumni Forum of the State Islamic University of North Sumatra (UINSU) to strengthen collaboration with its alma mater and various partners in order to make concrete contributions to society. He said the strength of the alumni network could serve as strategic capital in responding to the challenges of social change while supporting regional development.
The call was made during Surya's attendance at the former IAIN/UINSU Alumni Gathering and the inauguration of the UINSU Alumni Forum Medan board at the H-Anif Building Hall on the UINSU campus in Medan, Jalan IAIN Number 1, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Surya conveyed a message from North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution. He said the theme of the event, "The Role and Contribution of Alumni in Developing the Alma Mater toward the Realization of an Advanced UINSU," was highly relevant to the current situation in higher education.
According to Surya, universities are facing rapid changes. Technological developments, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, changing labor market demands, and growing public expectations for education quality require universities and all stakeholders to continuously adapt.
In this situation, alumni have various opportunities to contribute. Surya emphasized that the experience, expertise, professional networks, and social commitment of alumni could be utilized strategically to strengthen university development while enhancing students' capabilities.
"From this situation, alumni can contribute in various ways. Through thoughts and ideas, cooperation networks, support for developing student competencies, the creation of internship and employment opportunities, strengthening research and innovation, as well as social contributions to society," Deputy Governor Surya said.
Surya stressed that the relationship between alumni and their alma mater should not be limited to an emotional bond. The Alumni Forum must develop into a platform for collaboration capable of producing programs, ideas, and concrete projects that directly benefit society.
He explained that the alumni network, which is spread across various sectors, could become a particular strength for UINSU. Alumni could open access to partnerships, expand students' professional networks, support academic activities, and promote innovation and research tailored to society's needs.
Strengthening the role of alumni is also in line with the policy of the North Sumatra Provincial Government, which continues to promote improvements in human resource quality as one of the foundations for regional development.
According to Surya, the success of a university should not be measured solely by academic achievements, but also by the extent to which its graduates can provide benefits to society after completing their studies.
"As an Islamic university, UINSU certainly has a responsibility not only to produce scientifically qualified graduates, but also a morally grounded generation that cares about society and is capable of responding to the various challenges of our time," Surya said.
He said achieving this goal requires support from various parties. The quality of students and graduates must go hand in hand with an active role for alumni in developing society.
Therefore, he hoped the UINSU Alumni Forum would become a shared force connecting alumni, the university, students, government, business, and society. Through this collaboration, more concrete and sustainable programs are expected to emerge.
Surya explained that the North Sumatra Provincial Government provides opportunities for various forms of collaboration that can contribute to regional development. He expressed hope that the UINSU Alumni Forum would take up this initiative and make optimal use of its alumni network.
"The provincial government welcomes every effort to strengthen collaboration. This is in line with our shared spirit to develop the region and make North Sumatra an outstanding, advanced, and sustainable region. Therefore, let us make this forum a common home for all alumni. Hopefully, it can make a concrete contribution to society," he said.
In his view, the Alumni Forum can serve as a bridge connecting UINSU's human resource potential with various development needs. Alumni working in government, business, education, social organizations, and other sectors can play roles according to their respective expertise.
In addition to benefiting the alma mater, alumni involvement can also create additional opportunities for students to gain exposure to the professional world. Support through internship programs, competency development, professional networks, and career guidance can help students prepare for competition in the labor market.
Thus, the Alumni Forum should not only serve as a platform for communication and maintaining relationships, but can also become a space where ideas are brought together and various potentials are mobilized to advance UINSU and society in North Sumatra.
UINSU Rector Nurhayati expressed her appreciation for the attention given by the North Sumatra Provincial Government to the development of higher education. She said UINSU continues to fulfill its role as an educational institution that produces qualified graduates and enables them to take important positions in various fields.
Nurhayati said UINSU remains committed to improving the quality of education so that its graduates can respond to society's needs and the changing times. These efforts require support and collaboration from various parties, including the government and alumni.
The university also hopes to continue contributing to the development of North Sumatra through a collaborative approach. According to Nurhayati, the relationship between universities, government, business, society, and alumni must be continuously strengthened so that the university's contribution can reach an even wider audience.
In this regard, alumni have an important position because they are part of society and directly carry the name of their alma mater into various fields. Therefore, Nurhayati hoped that alumni would maintain their connection with UINSU while strengthening the reputation of their alma mater through their achievements and social commitment in their respective fields.
The former IAIN/UINSU Alumni Gathering and the subsequent inauguration of the UINSU Alumni Forum Medan board marked an important moment to further strengthen these relationships. The newly established forum is expected to serve as a communication platform as well as a driving force for collaboration that creates positive impacts for the university and society.
Also attending the event were the Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Zulkifli Sitorus; Chairman of the UINSU Alumni Forum and its board, Hasan Matsum; Chairman of the North Sumatra Indonesian Ulema Council, Maratua Simanjuntak; Chairman of the North Sumatra National Zakat Agency, Mohammad Hatta; and several heads of regional government agencies.
By strengthening its alumni network and promoting cross-sectoral collaboration, UINSU is expected to further expand its role as a higher education institution. It is expected not only to produce qualified graduates but also to make a concrete contribution to the development of North Sumatra. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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