Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR) – As it celebrates its 62nd anniversary, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR) is reaffirming its commitment to continued growth, greater resilience in responding to change, and broader contributions to society. This milestone was marked by the 62nd Anniversary Senate Open Session, held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Kasman Singodimedjo Auditorium.
The open session was attended by members of the UMPWR academic community and invited guests, including representatives of the Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership Boards (PDM) across the Kedu region, the Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development of the Central Executive Board of Muhammadiyah (Majelis Diktilitbang PP Muhammadiyah), the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDIKTI) Region VI of Central Java, the Central Java Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership Board (PWM), banking partners, the Purworejo Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (FKPD), private universities in Purworejo, Muhammadiyah-affiliated universities in the surrounding area, and UMPWR partners.
During the occasion, UMPWR Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teguh Wibowo, M.Pd., delivered the 2026 Rector’s Annual Report, presenting an evaluation of the university’s performance as well as an overview of UMPWR’s future development direction.
According to the report, an evaluation of eight strategic areas showed an average performance achievement of 128 percent, exceeding the overall target of 100 percent. Five areas met or exceeded their respective targets: Research and Community Service at 108 percent, Innovation at 101 percent, Finance at 151 percent, Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan at 100 percent, and Partnerships at 299 percent.
“The 2026 performance report shows that the overall average achievement reached 128 percent. This achievement is certainly something we are grateful for. At the same time, there is still work to be continued, particularly in the areas of institutional development, human resources, and student affairs,” the Rector emphasized in the report.
These achievements have been accompanied by a number of developments across UMPWR. In the institutional area, for example, eight out of 18 study programs have achieved the Excellent (Unggul) accreditation status. Meanwhile, the number of lecturers holding doctoral degrees has reached 44, while 104 lecturers have obtained professional educator certification.
In research, publications, and intellectual property, UMPWR recorded 139 Scopus/WoS-indexed articles, 14 SINTA-accredited journals, and 66 intellectual property rights registrations. Productivity in ISBN-registered books also reached 36 books, equivalent to 225 percent of the target.
Meanwhile, UMPWR’s partnership network continues to expand. In 2026, the university recorded 102 international partnerships, 31 national partnerships, and 150 local or regional partnerships. Overall, partnerships represented one of the university’s most notable achievements, with an achievement rate of 299 percent.
Representing the Regent of Purworejo, Rita Purnama, S.STP., M.M., Expert Staff for Community Affairs and Human Resources, extended her congratulations on UMPWR’s 62nd anniversary.
In her remarks, Rita stated that as one of the largest higher education institutions in Purworejo, UMPWR had achieved numerous accomplishments. She also encouraged stronger synergy and collaboration between UMPWR and the Purworejo Regency Government.
“Congratulations on UMPWR’s 62nd anniversary. As the largest university in Purworejo, UMPWR has certainly achieved a great deal. Going forward, synergy and collaboration with the Purworejo Regency Government should continue to be strengthened,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation for UMPWR’s contributions to the development of Purworejo, particularly in education, community service, and MSME empowerment.
“Thank you to UMPWR for its continued contribution to the advancement of Purworejo. The various innovations initiated by UMPWR have also brought benefits to Purworejo Regency,” she added.
Meanwhile, Head of LLDIKTI Region VI Central Java Prof. Dr. Ir. Aisyah Endah Palupi, M.Pd., stated that UMPWR is one of six private higher education institutions currently receiving guidance and mentoring toward achieving Excellent Institutional Accreditation (APT Unggul).
She emphasized that achieving the Excellent accreditation status requires comprehensive preparation, involving not only institutional governance but also study program quality and human resource development.
Prof. Aisyah also provided guidance for study programs approaching the end of their accreditation periods. In addition, UMPWR lecturers were encouraged to continue improving their academic qualifications and academic career positions, including accelerating their pursuit of doctoral degrees.
This direction is in line with UMPWR’s 2026 performance report, which recorded achievement rates of 91 percent in institutional development and 95 percent in human resources. Both areas remain among the university’s priorities for improvement in the next period.
The 62nd Anniversary Senate Open Session also featured a scientific speech delivered by Sofwan Dedy Ardyanto, a Member of Commission V of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI). In his speech, he encouraged members of the academic community to develop the ability to adapt amid rapid changes in the times.
He likened people and institutions to flexible rattan. Being flexible, he explained, does not mean abandoning one’s principles, but rather having the adaptability needed to respond to change.
“Be like rattan—flexible, able to adapt to the times, and agile, so that we can grow, become resilient, and make an impact,” he said.
Representing the Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development of the Central Executive Board of Muhammadiyah, Prof. Dr. Sutrisno, M.Ag., expressed gratitude for UMPWR’s 62-year journey.
He noted that the anniversary should also serve as a moment of muhasabah, or self-reflection, allowing the university to review its achievements while preparing for the next stage of development.
He highlighted Purworejo’s strategic position, both in terms of land transportation and air connectivity through Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), as an opportunity that could support UMPWR’s continued development.
“Purworejo has a very strategic position. This condition provides an important gateway that can support UMPWR in continuing to grow and achieve Excellent accreditation,” he said.
He also encouraged UMPWR to prepare for Excellent Institutional Accreditation (APT Unggul) while beginning to consider the development and establishment of new study programs once that target has been achieved.
The 62nd Anniversary Senate Open Session also served as a moment to recognize members of the UMPWR community who have contributed to the university through their achievements and dedication.
Awards were presented to outstanding lecturers, outstanding young lecturers, high-achieving and impactful students, as well as three Umrah travel awards for UMPWR education personnel.
The awards formed an important part of the anniversary celebration, which not only highlighted institutional achievements but also recognized the individuals whose contributions continue to drive UMPWR forward.
With the spirit of “Grow, Be Resilient, Make an Impact,” UMPWR’s 62nd anniversary serves as an opportunity to reflect on its journey while preparing for the next chapter. The university is committed not only to strengthening its institutional capacity, but also to expanding its positive contributions to society and the Purworejo community.
(akb/KP)
