UNU Jogja Signs Cooperation Agreements with Five NU Universities at LPTNU 2021–2026 Leadership Farewell Ceremony

Yogyakarta, Indonesia - Amid increasingly complex challenges facing higher education, universities under the Nahdlatul Ulama Higher Education Institution (LPTNU) need to strengthen collaboration. Such synergy is expected not only to improve the quality of individual institutions but also to enable LPTNU-affiliated universities to make meaningful contributions to the Muslim community and the nation.

This message emerged during the farewell ceremony for the Chair and Board Members of LPTNU for the 2021–2026 term, held at the UNU Jogja Campus on Friday (October 30, 2026).

As a concrete expression of the importance of collaboration among LPTNU-affiliated institutions, the event also featured the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) and four other Nahdlatul Ulama universities.

The five institutions involved were UNU West Kalimantan, UNU South Kalimantan, Nahdlatul Ulama Islamic College (STAINU) Cianjur, Nahdlatul Ulama Institute of Health Sciences Tuban, and Nahdlatul Ulama Institute Tasikmalaya. Covering the Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tridharma Perguruan Tinggi), the agreements encompass cooperation in improving the quality of education, research, and community service. The MoUs were signed by the respective university leaders in the presence of LPTNU board members for the 2021–2026 term and representatives of other NU-affiliated universities.

The event was attended by PBNU Deputy Chairman for Education Prof. Ganefri, Ph.D.; LPTNU Chair for the 2021–2026 term Prof. Ainun Naim, Ph.D.; Chair of the Forum of Rectors for the 2026–2028 term Prof. Dr. Nasruddin Suyuti; Chair of the Forum of Rectors for the 2022–2024 term Prof. Fatkul Anam; and LPTNU Secretary for the 2021–2026 term Dr. rer. pol. M. Faishal Aminuddin.

In his remarks, UNU Jogja Acting Rector Dr. Fahmy Akbar Idries expressed his appreciation for the presence of LPTNU board members and leaders of several NU-affiliated universities. He hoped their visit would bring blessings and renewed encouragement for UNU Jogja's continued development.

He also explained that, as part of LPTNU, UNU Jogja was established through collaboration and support from various stakeholders, particularly the Government of Indonesia and the Yogyakarta Special Region Government. Throughout its development, the university has also benefited from the insights and contributions of professors and distinguished academics, including scholars and leaders within LPTNU.

“With support from all these parties, UNU Jogja is committed to bringing benefits to the people of Yogyakarta, the Nahdliyin community, and the Indonesian nation,” he said.

Representing the university leaders, Chair of the Forum of Rectors for the 2026–2028 term Prof. Dr. Nasruddin Suyuti expressed his appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and service of the LPTNU board members throughout the 2021–2026 term.

“LPTNU has fulfilled its mandate to guide and strengthen NU-affiliated universities across Indonesia and has played an important role in advancing higher education institutions grounded in Islamic values. We believe these contributions will serve as an inspiration for the next LPTNU leadership,” he said.

LPTNU Chair for the 2021–2026 term Prof. Ainun Naim explained that during his tenure, LPTNU had implemented various strategies to improve institutional quality. One of the key initiatives was strengthening organizational governance through the development of a comprehensive set of regulations.

“Managing a higher education institution is quite complex. Therefore, our first step at the time was to establish regulations governing the management of NU-affiliated universities. With sound systems and governance, these institutions will be better positioned to achieve excellence,” he said.

Alongside these governance improvements, Prof. Ainun Naim noted that NU-affiliated universities had also launched various initiatives to enhance their quality. These included developing centers of research excellence, expanding networks and partnerships with domestic and international institutions, and upgrading educational infrastructure, as demonstrated by UNU Jogja.

“We hope these various partnerships will continue and be further strengthened,” he added.

Closing the event, PBNU Deputy Chairman for Education Prof. Ganefri emphasized that PBNU attaches great importance to improving the quality of education across NU institutions, particularly as the challenges facing the education sector continue to grow.

“One of our fundamental challenges today is ensuring that members of the Nahdliyin community have access to higher education. If the quality is good, NU-affiliated universities will become institutions of choice,” he said.

To address this challenge, Prof. Ganefri encouraged NU universities to continuously improve their quality through strategic partnerships and collaboration.

“In terms of physical infrastructure, NU-affiliated universities may face difficulties competing, except perhaps UNU Jogja. However, we can compete through the quality of our human resources and achievements. We can undertake collaborative research, boost the achievements of lecturers and students, and continue working together to accelerate improvements in the quality and reputation of NU-affiliated universities,” he concluded.

Prior to the farewell ceremony, UNU Jogja warmly welcomed LPTNU board members and university leaders with a luncheon and informal gathering. One of the highlights of the menu was a healthy melinjo-chip snack, specially developed to contain lower levels of uric-acid-related compounds. This innovative product was developed by lecturers and students of the Agricultural Product Technology Study Program, Faculty of Halal Industry, and is currently undergoing the process of intellectual property protection and halal certification. []

Reporter : Arif