MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, BOGOR – Syafiq Mughni, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah’s Central Board, praised the progress of Muhammadiyah University of Bogor Raya (UMBARA) and encouraged the young institution to move decisively toward becoming a leading university.
He delivered the remarks during the inauguration of UMBARA’s Board of Governance on Monday (19/11). At the event, Syafiq congratulated the newly appointed board members and expressed hope that the university would continue its upward trajectory within Indonesia’s competitive higher education landscape.
Despite its relatively recent establishment, UMBARA has shown notable institutional growth, he said. That progress, in his view, provides strong capital for the university to elevate its academic standing and compete with more established campuses.
“Within a short span of time, UMBARA has demonstrated significant development,” Syafiq said. “This is an important foundation for becoming a high-quality university that can stand confidently alongside others.”
He added that the university’s achievements reflect collective support from local communities, government stakeholders, and Muhammadiyah’s national network, all of which have accelerated its development.
Education as an Inclusive and Long-Term Mission
Syafiq also reiterated Muhammadiyah’s identity as an inclusive social movement. Accordingly, Muhammadiyah’s educational institutions remain open to all segments of society as part of what he described as a mission of enlightenment.
Education, he said, represents a long-term and peaceful movement carried out with consistency. Over decades, Muhammadiyah has demonstrated that education serves as a primary pathway to advancing both society and the nation.
At the same time, he emphasized that Muhammadiyah’s principle of amar ma’ruf nahi munkar—promoting virtue and preventing wrongdoing—must be accompanied by ongoing self-reflection and internal reform. Although the organization often receives recognition for its modern and orderly management, he said, the process of improvement must never stop.
“Muhammadiyah has never considered its resources sufficient,” he said. “That is why continuous development and renewal remain essential, so our benefits reach wider circles.”
In that context, he described the inauguration of UMBARA’s advisory board as a strategic moment to ensure university governance aligns closely with Muhammadiyah’s core values.
UMBARA’s rector, Edi Sukardi, reported that the university has earned a “Very Good” institutional accreditation and is preparing to pursue top-tier status. Beyond academics, he said, UMBARA seeks to promote Sundanese cultural values as universal virtues, in harmony with Muhammadiyah’s global vision of enlightenment.
Translator: Bintang Adrian
