MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – The Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Telkom Satelit (Telkomsat) Indonesia. The signing ceremony took place at Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (Unisa) Yogyakarta on Monday, May 20, 2024.
The collaboration between Telkomsat and the Council aims to expand internet access for Muhammadiyah-‘Aisyiyah higher education institutions, particularly those located in outermost, frontline, and left-behind (3T) regions.
Bambang Setiaji, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development stated that there are currently 172 Muhammadiyah-‘Aisyiyah higher education institutions throughout Indonesia. Many of these institutions are located in areas with limited internet access.
“Some of our universities are located in areas with poor internet and technology access. This collaboration will provide satellites with high-quality, international-standard networks that can be used by the institutions,” he explained.
Universitas Pendidikan Muhammadiyah (UNIMUDA) Sorong is the first Muhammadiyah institution to utilize Telkomsat’s satellite service. Rustamadji, Rector of Unimuda, acknowledged that internet and technology access remain significant challenges in eastern Indonesia.
“Despite these challenges, Unimuda is determined not to be left behind. We strive to progress and maintain the same quality as universities in Java. This satellite opens up great opportunities for Unimuda,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lukman Hakim Abd. Rauf, Chief Executive Officer of Telkomsat, highlighted Muhammadiyah’s extensive assets and its pioneering role in education, particularly in remote areas. He also emphasized Muhammadiyah contributions to da’wa and development in various sectors.
Lukman Hakim expressed his hope that this collaboration will extend beyond education to encompass other sectors.
“In the future, Telkomsat aims to expand our contributions not only in education but also in other sectors,” he said.
