Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR) officially inaugurated the Russia Center UMPWR on April 7, 2026, as a strategic step to strengthen its international network amid increasingly competitive global dynamics. This inauguration marks an important milestone in the institution’s efforts to expand cross-border academic collaboration, while reaffirming its commitment to sustainable campus internationalization.
The establishment of the Russia Center UMPWR is seen as part of a long-term strategy to build global partnerships that go beyond ceremonial activities, focusing instead on concrete implementation in education, research, and community service. This program is expected to bridge various academic interests between Indonesia and Russia, particularly in addressing the challenges of higher education globalization.
In his remarks, the Rector of UMPWR, Teguh Wibowo, emphasized that the establishment of the Russia Center UMPWR reflects the institution’s strong commitment to building productive and sustainable international cooperation. “The presence of the Russia Center UMPWR is mutually beneficial amid global challenges, and represents a tangible realization of sustainable collaboration between educational institutions,” he stated.
The inauguration was also attended and witnessed by representatives from Ufa University of Science and Technology (UUST), including Kamalov Rinat, along with six lecturers and students. Their presence symbolized the strong and growing partnership between the two institutions.
On that occasion, Kamalov Rinat expressed appreciation for UMPWR’s initiative in establishing an international collaboration center focused on strengthening academic and cultural ties between the two countries. “We highly appreciate and thank UMPWR for establishing the Russia Center on campus as part of a sustainable collaboration, including the introduction of the Russian language, culture, and various other academic cooperation opportunities,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, the Vice Rector IV for Cooperation and Al-Islam Kemuhammadiyahan (AIK) of UMPWR, Tusino, stated that the presence of the Russia Center opens broader strategic opportunities for students to access global education.
According to him, the center can serve as a gateway for lecturers and students to explore the higher education system in Russia, including opportunities to obtain scholarships for further studies at leading universities in the country. “This initiative opens potential scholarship opportunities from Russia as an initial step in preparing UMPWR students who wish to pursue studies at various universities in Russia,” he explained.
The Head of the Bureau of Cooperation and International Affairs (KUI), Jeki Wibawanti, added that as a hub for international collaboration development, the Russia Center UMPWR is designed to accommodate a wide range of academic, educational, and cultural activities. Planned programs include Russian language introduction, seminars, international guest lectures, cultural exchanges, and the strengthening of cross-border research collaboration. Furthermore, the center is expected to enhance the global literacy of the UMPWR academic community and broaden access to international academic networks. This will provide greater opportunities for both students and lecturers to engage in global education dynamics.
Also present at the event were the Head of the UMPWR Language Center, Puspa Dewi, the Head of International Cooperation Affairs, Abdul Ngafif, and the Head of Domestic Cooperation Affairs, Galih Bagas Soesilo.
With the inauguration of the Russia Center UMPWR, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo reaffirms its role as an adaptive, progressive, and internationally oriented higher education institution. This step also represents part of its efforts to respond to the challenges of globalized education, while strengthening the university’s contribution to producing highly competent, competitive, and globally ready graduates.
