Strengthening Global Engagement: International Relations Office of Muhammadiyah Universities Unite for Capacity Building in Yogyakarta
In a collaborative effort to enhance the international capabilities of Muhammadiyah universities across Indonesia, the Indonesian Association of International Offices of Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education (ASKUI PTMA) held a Capacity Building event on May 20-21, 2024. The event, hosted at Hotel KHAS Malioboro Yogyakarta, was a joint initiative by Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), Universitas’ Aisyiyah (Unisa) Yogyakarta, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto (UMP), and Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD).
The two-day event brought together representatives from all Muhammadiyah universities affiliated with ASKUI PTMA nationwide. The aim was to strengthen these institutions’ international offices’ capabilities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to enhance their global engagement and competitiveness. Participants engaged in workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities geared towards strengthening their internationalization efforts.
Condro Nur Alim, Ph.D., from UMP, as the Director of ASKUI PTMA for the 2023-2025 period, highlighted the association’s strategic focus during his keynote address. He outlined the five pillars of the association’s work program, collectively known as SMART: Data Systems (Sistem Data), KUI Management (Manajemen KUI), Assistance & Facilitation (Asistensi dan Fasilitasi), Recognition & Publications (Rekognisi dan Publikasi), and Transformation (Transformasi).
“The SMART program is designed to ensure that ASKUI PTMA members achieve their desired levels of performance and effectively support their universities in competing on the international stage,” said Dr. Alim. “By focusing on these five pillars, we aim to create a robust framework to enhance our member institutions’ operational efficiency and global recognition.”
Participants engaged in various workshops and sessions to improve data management systems, enhance the management of international offices (KUI), provide effective assistance and facilitation, increase recognition and publications, and drive transformative initiatives within their institutions. The capacity-building initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on the participating institutions, enabling them to navigate better the complexities of international higher education and fostering more excellent academic and research collaborations worldwide.
As the event concluded, the participating members of ASKUI PTMA reaffirmed their commitment to working together to drive forward their mission to provide world-class education and enhance the quality and competitiveness of Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah higher education institutions.