MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, TURKIYE – Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) has achieved a historic milestone on the international stage by becoming Indonesia’s sole representative in signing the Joint Declaration of the International Family Studies Congress in Kirikkale University, Türkiye.
The declaration was signed by Zuly Qodir, Vice Rector for Education and Student Affairs at UMY, alongside representatives from universities in Türkiye, Poland, Palestine, Uzbekistan, Algeria, and the United States. The signing was witnessed by Kirikkale Governor Mehmet Makas.
This moment underscores Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening moral and institutional values at the global level. The formation of this forum also highlights the importance of the family as the foundation of civilization, social stability, and global well-being amid the challenges of modernization and moral crisis.
“This international congress is part of a major commitment and agenda titled ‘2025 Year of the Family’, declared by the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. It serves as a national initiative to reinforce family resilience, an agenda aligned with Türkiye’s 1982 Constitution and its 12th National Development Plan, which places the family as the central pillar of sustainable social development,” explained Zuly during the event held from Thursday to Saturday (23–25/10).
During the congress, UMY not only signed the moral declaration but also initiated various forms of international academic collaboration. The university’s active participation in such global forums demonstrates its role in advancing academic diplomacy with a vision of universal humanitarian benefit.
“This declaration shows that family studies cannot be separated from issues of humanity and global peace. Violence and war, especially those targeting civilians, fundamentally destroy the family institution, which is the smallest unit of society,” Zuly emphasized.
Beyond the moral statement, the congress also produced a number of international academic cooperation agreements, including curriculum development, dual degree programs, joint research projects, and faculty and student exchanges. These initiatives aim to strengthen global academic networks for building a civilized, just, and sustainable society.
UMY’s involvement in this declaration stands as a symbol of Indonesia’s active role in global academic diplomacy, integrating the strengthening of family values with advocacy for international humanitarian causes. (Bintang Adrian)
