Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR) – A total of 82 students who are part of UMPWR’s Student Islamic Boarding Houses (Pesantren Mahasiswa/Pesma) took part in Masa Taaruf Santri (MATASA) 2026, held on Friday–Saturday (September 25–26, 2026) at Heroes Park Purworejo. The program provided an opportunity for new and returning residents to get to know one another while becoming more familiar with life and discipline in the Pesma environment.
The participants came from three UMPWR Pesma locations: Wisma Rahayu Ngrapah, with 25 students; H.M. Roestam Loano Pesma, with 22 students; and Al Chudlori Baledono Pesma, with 35 students. The 82 participants included both first-semester students and senior residents.
The Head of UMPWR Pesma, Ari Fajar Isbakhi, M.Pd.I., welcomed all participants to MATASA 2026. He said that the taaruf period was not simply about getting acquainted, but also about learning to build discipline and good habits.
“Welcome, and congratulations on becoming part of Pesma UMPWR. This taaruf is not only about getting to know one another, but also about learning discipline, developing good habits, and adapting to life in Pesma,” he said.
UMPWR Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teguh Wibowo, M.Pd., also welcomed the students and encouraged them to make the most of their experience in Pesma. He emphasized that Pesma is not merely an additional student activity, but part of the university’s educational process.
“Welcome to Pesma UMPWR. Pesma is not simply an extracurricular activity for students. It is part of the education provided at UMPWR,” the Rector said.
According to Teguh, living in Pesma is an opportunity that students should be grateful for, particularly because it provides an environment where they can develop positive habits and strengthen their personal character. This is especially relevant in today’s social environment, where social media has made interaction and communication increasingly open.
“Social interactions today have very few boundaries because of social media. Pesma can therefore become a place for students to build their character, improve their worship, develop greater discipline, deepen their understanding of Islam, and strengthen brotherhood,” he explained.
During the event, the Rector also shared plans for the development of H.M. Roestam Loano Pesma. The site is planned to be developed into an Islamic Center and Student Dormitory, featuring a three-story building with improved facilities.
While the construction is underway, students currently living at H.M. Roestam Loano Pesma will temporarily be accommodated at another location. The development is expected to provide a more representative living and learning environment while further strengthening the role of Pesma at UMPWR.
“Insha Allah, H.M. Roestam Loano Pesma will be developed into an Islamic Center and student dormitory with better facilities and a three-story building. We ask for everyone’s prayers so that this plan can be realized this year,” Teguh said.
He also expressed his hope that the Pesma facilities at Wisma Rahayu Ngrapah, Al Chudlori Baledono, and H.M. Roestam Loano can eventually grow into an integrated UMPWR Pesma community.
The same message was delivered by Vice Rector IV for Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan (AIK) and Cooperation, Dr. Tusino, M.Pd.BI. He said Pesma plays an important role in student development, particularly in creating a balance between academic life, Islamic values, and social relationships.
“Pesma provides students with a space to learn together—not only about Islamic values, but also about building good habits, responsibility, discipline, and brotherhood. Many of these values are developed through everyday life and interactions,” he said.
He encouraged the students to make the most of their time in Pesma. The interaction between new and senior residents, he added, can also become an opportunity for students to learn from and support one another.
MATASA 2026 therefore serves as more than an introduction for new Pesma residents. It marks the beginning of a shared journey among students living in the university’s Pesma communities, while reinforcing Pesma’s role as an integral part of education at UMPWR.
Through this spirit of togetherness, the students are expected to grow into more disciplined individuals with a stronger understanding of Islamic values and the ability to bring the positive values they learn in Pesma into campus life and the wider community.
