MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MECCA – Muhammadiyah and Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) held a strategic meeting in Makkah to deepen academic cooperation amid rising global demand for professionals with strong Arabic-language skills. Arabic is increasingly seen as a strategic competency across health, technology, economics, education, and other sectors shaped by Saudi Arabia’s rapid development.
The discussion was attended by Muhammadiyah Central Board (PP Muhammadiyah) Leaders. The delegates was led by Hilman Latief, Treasurer-General of PP Muhammadiyah, accompanied by Secretary Muhammad Sayuti and Secretary of the Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development Ahmad Muttaqin. UQU was represented by the Vice Rector for Graduate Studies and Research, Fahd Al-Zahrani, along with other university leaders.
Muhammadiyah outlined key developments in Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah Universities (PTMA), including strengthened research capacity, campus internationalization, and new strategic study programs. These updates formed the basis for exploring expanded collaboration, particularly in Arabic-language education and pathways for PTMA students to pursue advanced degrees.
UQU emphasized that cooperation should go beyond improving Arabic proficiency for religious-study students. With growing opportunities in Saudi Arabia, especially in health, engineering, management, IT, and other fields tied to Vision 2030, UQU sees PTMA graduates as having strong potential for postgraduate studies and professional careers in the Kingdom.
Both sides noted that Saudi Arabia is increasingly seeking Indonesian professionals, particularly nurses, making Arabic mastery an essential competitive skill. Broader career prospects also align with major transformation projects underway in the Kingdom.
The visit was part of Muhammadiyah’s wider push to strengthen the international presence of its universities. UQU is likewise expanding global partnerships in academic exchange, research, and Arabic programs for non-native speakers–a field highly relevant to PTMA.
The delegation also included ten PTMA rectors from Yogyakarta, Central Java, East Java, Jakarta, and North Sumatra, also accompanied by cadres and members of Muhammadiyah Special Branch Board (PCIM) in Saudi Arabia. The meeting is expected to lead to concrete programs that broaden study access, support academic mobility, and reinforce Muhammadiyah’s global higher-education network. (Bintang Adrian)
