UAD Hosts National Coordination Meeting of PTM-PTA on Student Affairs

Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) hosted National Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) on Muhammadiyah University (PTM) Student Affairs at Aisyiyah University (PTA). The event that took place on November 8-10, 2018 was in collaboration with the Council of Higher Education, Research, and Development (Diktilitbang) of Central Board of Muhammadiyah (PP Muhamadiyah). In total, there are 137 participants from 103 PTM and PTA throughout Indonesia. It was the first Rakornas that was being held on student affairs.

On this occasion, UAD Rector, Dr. Kasiyarno, M. Hum., said that the field of student affairs in PTM and PTA must be strengthened, considering that students are one of the important aspects for the continuity of universities. "Student activities must be stimulated. At present, only about 25 percent of students take extracurricular activities, either in an activity unit, organization, community and others."

According to him, universities must encourage students to be active. Extracurricular activities can improve student soft skills in order to optimize the students' ability. Soft skills are needed and will be useful in the workforce and society.

"Students who are active and have skills will surely excel. Student achievement can enhance the image of universities. In addition, students will also receive a Diploma Supplement (SKPI) that will be useful for them," he explained.

On the other hand, the Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah Diktilitbang Council, Prof. Lincolin Arsyad, said that in the Rakornas on Student Affairs, it was necessary to discuss preventive actions of radicalism in campus environment. "Radicalism is like a fire in a husk. This is a task for universities to fight it."

In addition, other things that need to be discussed are related to student productivity. PTM-PTA must hold various events, such as training, seminars, and competitions to improve the students' abilities. In addition, what is equally important is the productivity of art and culture. Some of these things, according to Lincolin, need to be seriously discussed to develop students for them to become good cadres in the future.

Meanwhile, Dr. Haedar Nashir, M.Si., the Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, shared his belief that the quality of PTM and PTA must be improved. With good quality, the universities would bring progress to the community and the country.

He advised Muhammadiyah cadres not to be isolated from national issues.

"Muhammadiyah students must be pioneers who are intelligent, honest, trustworthy, exemplary, and forward-thinking. This is the only thing that can advance Indonesia in this global era is progress." (ard)