EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — Muhammadiyah-‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (PTMA) have once again achieved international recognition. According to the latest UniRank rankings, seven Muhammadiyah universities have been included among the top 25 Islamic universities in the world, underscoring Muhammadiyah’s continued commitment to building a high-quality and sustainable higher education system.
The seven PTMAs featured in the ranking are:
- Muhammadiyah University of North Sumatera (UMSU) – peringkat 1
- Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya (UMSurabaya) – peringkat 5
- Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY) – peringkat 7
- Muhammadiyah University of Jakarta (UMJ) – peringkat 8
- Ahmad Dahlan University (UAD) – peringkat 17
- Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM) – peringkat 19
- Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (UMS) – peringkat 22
A Waqf-Based Model for Sustainable Higher Education
Bambang Setiaji, Chairperson of the Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (CHERD) of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah, said the achievement reflects the long-term efforts of PTMA in implementing a waqf-based, non-profit higher education management system.
According to Bambang, the model enables institutional revenue to be reinvested into university development, particularly to improve the quality of academic resources.
“Building financial reserves is essential for the long-term sustainability of a university. These funds can later be used to improve the quality of academic staff,” he said in an interview on Friday (24/7).
He added that a sound management system not only produces institutional achievements but also cultivates a healthy academic culture. Such a culture encourages students to become independent, innovative, adaptable, and capable of responding to the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Nevertheless, Ahmad Muttaqin, Secretary of Muhammadiyah’s CHERD, PTMAs must not regard the ranking as the final goal. He noted that uniRank primarily measures institutional popularity, meaning PTMA must continue strengthening other key academic indicators.
He stressed that improving research publications, research impact, internationalization, and academic reputation should remain top priorities.
“We are grateful that, out of 165 PTMAs, 20 have already earned the highest accreditation status. However, that is not enough, and there is still much that we need to improve,” he said.
Preparing Graduates for a Changing World
Muttaqin also highlighted the challenges faced by university graduates amid the shrinking availability of formal employment. As a result of limited opportunities, many graduates have turned to the informal sector.
“Without diminishing the value of those occupations, the reality is that many graduates pursue them because they have no other options,” he explained.
He therefore encouraged PTMA graduates not only to seek employment but also to create jobs through creativity, innovation, and the effective use of their talents.
“Graduates’ talents do not have to be confined to the industrial sector. Creativity and innovation are essential to unlocking those opportunities,” he added.
He further observed that digital transformation and the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) have opened up a wide range of emerging career opportunities. In response, PTMA continues to update its curriculum to ensure graduates possess the adaptability needed in an evolving technological landscape.
Meanwhile, Bambang emphasized that education at PTMA extends beyond academic excellence. It also focuses on character development through the integration of the bayani, irfani, and burhani approaches to knowledge. Bambang expressed his hope for this educational philosophy to produce graduates who possess both intellectual and spiritual maturity, enabling them to address contemporary challenges with wisdom and innovation.
Strengthening Collaboration for Global Competitiveness
Looking ahead, Muttaqin explained that Muhammadiyah is strengthening collaboration among PTMAs so that each institution’s strengths can complement one another in enhancing their global reputation.
“We have discussed what we can collectively bring to strengthen our global reputation and which areas we should prioritize,” he said.
He added that PTMAs will gradually pursue international recognition. PTMAs that have not yet attained the highest accreditation status will continue to receive guidance to improve their quality. Those that have already achieved excellence, moreover, will compete in more global university rankings.
“Ultimately, we hope that one of our PTMAs will enter the world’s top 100 universities and, eventually, even reach the number one position,” he said.
Through this long-term strategy, PTMA aims to further strengthen its position as a globally competitive higher education network that delivers meaningful societal impact while contributing to the development of progressive future generations. (syafa)
