Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR) continues to expand its network of strategic partnerships with various institutions to support the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. One of these initiatives was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UMPWR and the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) of Purworejo Regency, held at the Nur Hadi Meeting Room of Bawaslu Purworejo on Thursday (May 21, 2026).
This collaboration represents a concrete step toward strengthening cooperation in the fields of education, research, development, and resource empowerment, particularly in relation to election supervision and democratic education for students.
The Rector of UMPWR, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teguh Wibowo, M.Pd., stated that UMPWR is ready to support Bawaslu in election supervision through the involvement of academics and students.
“UMPWR is ready to support Bawaslu in election supervision. We also hope that Bawaslu can provide students with learning opportunities related to democratic processes and election supervision so that they can gain real field experience,” he said.
He further explained that UMPWR students are known for being critical and enthusiastic about social and democratic issues. Therefore, involving students in election supervision activities is expected to be both educational and engaging.
“Our students are highly critical thinkers. When invited to participate in election supervision, they will certainly be enthusiastic because they can learn directly from democratic practices,” he added.
In addition, the collaboration will also focus on the implementation of various academic programs such as practitioner lectures, joint research, and other educational activities aimed at strengthening students’ capacities.
Meanwhile, the Head of Bawaslu Purworejo Regency, Purnomosidi, S.Pt., warmly welcomed the partnership with UMPWR. According to him, collaboration between election supervisory institutions and universities is a progressive step toward strengthening democratic education.
“We highly appreciate this collaboration in both research and education with UMPWR. There are many issues within Bawaslu that can serve as learning materials for students, especially law students, regarding disputes among election participants and existing regulatory issues,” he explained.
He also expressed hope that UMPWR students would be challenged and motivated to explore various electoral issues and materials that will be developed jointly through educational and research programs.
“Our collaboration with UMPWR is a progressive partnership. Hopefully, students will become more interested in understanding the dynamics of democracy and election supervision more deeply,” he concluded.
