Muhammadiyah University of Purworejo (UMPWR) - received an official visit from the Muhammadiyah Institute of Statistics and Business (ITESA) Semarang in order to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and conduct benchmarking activities related to student management. The event took place in the Main Meeting Room of UMPWR on Wednesday, 17 September 2025.
The ceremony was conducted solemnly, attended directly by the leadership of both institutions. From ITESA Muhammadiyah Semarang, the attendees included Rector Nurul Huda, S.Kom., M.Kom., Ph.D (Cand), Vice Rector Assoc. Prof. Ir. Herman Yuliansyah, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D, and Head of the International Affairs Office (KUI) Aulad Muwaffaq, M.Ag. Meanwhile, from UMPWR, Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teguh Wibowo, M.Pd., Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Dr. Budi Setiawan, Head of the Student Affairs Bureau (BIMAWA) Dr. Hermawan and staff, as well as Head of Cooperation, International Affairs Office (KUI) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jeki Wibawanti were also present.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties as a strategic step to strengthen collaboration in the fields of education, research, and community service The Rector of UMPWR, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teguh Wibowo, M.Pd., in his speech expressed his appreciation for this cooperation initiative. ‘Synergy between Muhammadiyah universities is a tangible manifestation of strengthening networks, sharing experiences, and improving the quality of student management. We hope that this collaboration will result in concrete programmes that are beneficial to both parties,’ he said.
The benchmarking activity focused on the exchange of experiences and strategies in student management. ITESA Muhammadiyah Semarang considered UMPWR to be the right partner to share best practices, including in the management of KIP scholarships.
Vice Rector III of UMPWR, Dr. Budi Setiawan, S.Sos., M.Si., explained that there are at least two options for universities that have a lower-middle class student segment and a limited number of students, namely 1) strengthening income outside of tuition fees through business units; 2) re-branding the university as a ‘philanthropy university.’
Head of KUI UMPWR Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jeki Wibawanti added that through this MoU and benchmarking, both institutions hope to expand their collaborative network in the fields of academia, research, community service, and improvement of student services. This includes collaborating on the RisetMu grant in the near future.
Meanwhile, Head of KUI ITESA Aulad Muwaffaq, M.Ag, stated that this collaboration is a manifestation of ITESA's commitment to continuously improve the quality of Muhammadiyah universities.
‘We hope that this collaboration will open up more opportunities for lecturers and students to work and innovate,’ he said.
