Yogyakarta – Universitas Darussalam Gontor (UDG) wanted to improve the resources capability they possessed to the maximum point so that they would acquire “A” accreditation, as was possessed by UMY. This aspiration emerged when they learned that UMY as one of newly founded private universities was accredited “A.” UDG also believed that Muhammadiyah was a social organization with Islam base and was extremely active in the foundation and development of education place.
This was stated by the Rector of UDG, Prof. Dr. Amal Fathullah Zarkasyi, M.A when he delivered his opening speech in front of the Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), Prof. Dr. Bambang Cipto, M.A and whole Board of Faculty of Law, and accompanied with the Head of Cooperation Bureau (Biro Kerjasama/BKS) of UMY. In the event of Officially Signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UDG and Faculty of Law of UMY was held in Ruang Sidang Komisi AR. Fachruddin A UMY on Wednesday (03/25).
The signing of the MoU was conducted by the Rector of UMY Prof. Dr. Bambang Cipto, M.A and the Rector of UDG Prof. Dr. Amal Fathullah Zarkasyi, M.A as a form of cooperation commitment which included cooperation in inter-university lecturer exchange, student exchange, collaborative research, collaborative publication, double degree program, seminar, workshop, and other academic and scientific activities for the next five years.
“To be honest, we want to learn more, because from hundreds of private universities in Indonesia, UMY is one of those that get A for accreditation. For that reason, we want this collaboration. We also want to know if Muhammadiyah focus on founding more schools, I mean universities and schools, while we found an Islamic boarding school. Therefore, in terms of universities we can be called as newcomer. Thus, from this cooperation, under the faculty of law for various future cooperation, which we hope later will reach to the university level,” he said.
His party was interested towards UMY because UMY and Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) was private universities under Muhammadiyah with A accreditation. Therefore, his party believed that this accreditation was the main reason for their interest in forming an alliance with UMY, especially the Faculty of Law. His party also expressed their appreciation and courage to form a cooperation, because UDG had acquired “B” accreditation, in which just a little bit below UMY, in which he believed the cooperation was the correct step to maximize the potency of both universities.
Meanwhile, the Rector of UMY, Bambang Cipto, in the same opportunity also stated that his party would be happy to be affiliated with UDG, in which the cooperation was tied by Faculty of Law of UMY and UGD. Besides academic potential they could share with UDG, Bambang also explained that there were many collaboration in Islamic field that they could held as an collective event by UMY and UDG in the future.
“We happily welcome this, we are happy that UDG believe in us to strengthen this cooperation. We hope that UMY would also be able to learn from UDG, which I know has strong affiliations with international organizations around the world. Young alumni of UDG also have great achievements; we hope both parties can learn from each other, on how to manage successful alumni. Including the Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah and PP Aisyiyah who are also the alumni managed by UDG, therefore, I hope the cooperation would work smoothly,” he explained. (Shidqi) (mac)