The development of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) in academic fields attracts both state and private universities in Indonesia, particularly Islamic universities. One of the developments ensued to Medical and Health Science Faculty (FKIK). Noticing the development, Universitas Muslim Indonesia (UMI) Makassar was willing to have cooperation particularly with Dentistry of UMY.
“Dentistry of UMI is considered as a new department so that we need encouragement of senior medical faculties like FKIK UMY,” stated Prof. Dr. H. Syahnur Said, S.E., M.Si., a Vice Chancellor I of Academic Affairs of UMI when delivering an opening remark of “Field Trip and Signing MoU” on Monday (24/8) at Rector Lobby of UMY.
Prof. Syahnur inserted that the cooperation comprised of education, research, community service, and human resource development. “The cooperation obviously will bring positive impacts for both faculties,” he added.
The cooperation is expected to encourage other Islamic private universities. “It definitely can support one another, particularly Muslim private universities, to develop. Moreover, there are a lot of developing private universities so that it turns our challenge to enhance our faculty,” he conveyed.
Furthermore, Rector of UMY Prof. Dr. Bambang Cipto, M.A. informed that the signing of MoU may strengthen the relationship between UMY and UMI Makassar. It also became the strength of private universities in Indonesia to enhance each quality. “Thus, private universities will be selected universities instead of optional universities.
Prof. Bambang continued that government has established and added a lot of rules to foster quality. The government demanded private universities a number of aspects and required to bear qualified graduated, yet the provided fund is limited. “State universities gain fund from government, but private universities look for their own fund. Bearing excellent graduates is not easy. UMY has confined the number of student admissions. This year, there were 37,500 registered students but only less than 5,000 accepted students. By doing so, it is expected to select qualified students,” he affirmed.
Additionally, Prof Bambang and Prof. Syahnur expected that the cooperation may evolve the quality of private universities in Indonesia. “Private universities will always exist and foster cooperation. Having the cooperation, UMY and UMI Makassar are ready to confront the future,” Prof. Bambang hoped.
