Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Universitas Muhammadiyah Sukabumi (UMMI) is conducting an International Community Service Program in Malaysia from October 15–18, 2026, in collaboration with the Islamic World Development Network (IWDN). The program is part of UMMI’s efforts to expand the contribution of Indonesian higher education institutions to cross-border community empowerment while strengthening international cooperation networks.
The UMMI delegation is led by Dr. Fenty Sukmawaty, S.S., M.Hum., Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences (FIS) at UMMI, and comprises lecturers from the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science and Technology, and the Faculty of Health Sciences. This cross-faculty participation is expected to enrich the program’s academic perspectives and create opportunities for knowledge exchange with partners in Malaysia.
The implementation of this international community service program follows a series of preparations and coordination efforts between UMMI and IWDN. Through this initiative, lecturers are expected to apply their expertise to address community needs while gaining firsthand experience in conducting community service activities in an international setting.
The program also provides UMMI with an opportunity to expand its collaboration with international partners. Community service is not only an integral component of the Catur Dharma (Four Pillars) of Muhammadiyah Higher Education but also a means of building academic and social relationships that generate benefits for the communities and institutions involved.
UMMI’s International Community Service Program is designed to focus on the direct implementation of community-based initiatives rather than merely serving as a ceremonial gathering. By involving lecturers from diverse academic disciplines, the program aims to deliver community service approaches that are relevant to the needs of local communities and partner institutions.
The delegation from the Faculty of Social Sciences is led by its Dean, Dr. Fenty Sukmawaty, S.S., M.Hum. She is accompanied by Faizal Mulia Z, S.AB., M.A., Vice Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Dr. Lusi Susilawati, M.Hum., Head of the English Literature Study Program; Siska Hestiana, M.Hum., Secretary of the English Literature Study Program; and Resa Nurmala, S.AB., M.A., Head of the Business Administration Study Program.
The Faculty of Social Sciences delegation also includes Business Administration lecturers Kokom Komariah, M.Si.; Nor Norisanti, S.Sos., M.Si.; and Dr. Paringsih, S.E., M.M. In addition, Dr. Dian Purwanti, S.Sos., M.A.P., Head of the Public Administration Study Program, is participating in the program.
The Faculty of Science and Technology is represented by its Dean, Dr. Ir. Euis Kania Kurniawati, S.T., M.T., IPM. Meanwhile, the Faculty of Health Sciences is represented by its Vice Dean, Dr. Ria Andriani, M.Kep., Sp.Kep. An., who is affiliated with the Nursing Professional Education Study Program.
The involvement of lecturers from multiple faculties reflects a multidisciplinary approach to international community service. This diversity of academic expertise is expected to broaden perspectives in implementing community service initiatives, strengthen knowledge exchange with partners in Malaysia, and create opportunities for sustainable academic and social collaboration.
Experience gained from implementing programs abroad also gives lecturers the opportunity to broaden their understanding of community empowerment practices in different social and cultural contexts. These experiences can serve as valuable insights for evaluating and developing future community service initiatives, including designing programs that address the needs of communities in Indonesia.
In addition to benefiting partner communities, the program provides an opportunity for lecturers to strengthen their capacity to develop community service initiatives that are responsive to different social and cultural contexts. Interactions with international partners also create opportunities to exchange experiences, approaches, and ideas that can be further developed collaboratively.
IWDN President Fakih Fadilah Muttaqim expressed his support for UMMI’s participation in the program. He emphasized IWDN’s commitment to supporting the team throughout the entire series of activities.
“IWDN is fully committed to supporting and accompanying UMMI’s program through to its completion. We all hope that this initiative, which begins today, will proceed smoothly and deliver tangible benefits to communities in Malaysia,” he said.
IWDN’s support is an important element in implementing the program, particularly in facilitating coordination between the university and its partners in the host country. This synergy is expected to help ensure that the activities proceed as planned and deliver meaningful benefits to all parties involved.
The collaboration between UMMI and IWDN through the International Community Service Program in Malaysia represents a strategic step toward expanding academic and social networks at the global level. This partnership creates opportunities for both parties to exchange knowledge, experiences, and community empowerment practices that can be adapted to local needs.
For UMMI, this international initiative is part of its efforts to broaden the scope of community service while showcasing the contributions of Indonesian university lecturers on the international stage. Through interactions with local partners, the lecturers can gain a deeper understanding of community needs and identify approaches that are relevant to the implementation of community-based initiatives.
Knowledge sharing is a key component of this collaboration. It enables the university and its partners to learn from one another’s experiences, develop new ideas, and identify opportunities for future cooperation. As a result, the partnership is not limited to a single activity but can serve as a foundation for developing joint programs in the years ahead.
The implementation of the International Community Service Program from October 15–18, 2026, is expected to mark the beginning of broader cooperation between UMMI and IWDN. The partnership can be sustained through the planning of future community service programs, the exchange of academic experiences, and the development of joint initiatives that align with community needs and the capacities of both institutions.
The program also reinforces the role of higher education institutions in translating scientific knowledge and academic expertise into tangible benefits for society. Through collaborative community service, lecturers not only apply their knowledge and skills but also gain valuable learning opportunities from new environments and experiences.
With the launch of its International Community Service Program in Malaysia, UMMI is extending its community service contributions from Sukabumi to the international arena. The collaboration with IWDN is expected to lay a strong foundation for sustainable partnerships, strengthen global networks, and create further opportunities for lecturers and institutions to contribute to community empowerment across national borders.
