In the latest World University Rankings (WUR) released by Times Higher Education (THE) on October 9, 2024, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) has earned a distinguished place among the world’s leading academic institutions. Ranking in the 1201-1500 range globally, UMS stands out as the second-best university among Indonesia’s 31 institutions featured in the prestigious list, securing its position as a key player in the nation’s academic landscape.

UMS: The Best Islamic University in Indonesia

This year’s ranking solidifies UMS’s position as the leading Islamic university in Indonesia, surpassing other notable institutions in the field, such as Universitas Islam Indonesia, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, and Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta. This achievement highlights UMS’s ongoing commitment to excellence in higher education while embracing its Islamic values.

"We are proud to be recognized as the best Islamic university in Indonesia by such a renowned global ranking body," said Gunawan Ariyanto, Head of the Office of Public Relations and Rankings at UMS. “This success is a testament to our continuous efforts in improving academic standards and fostering an environment of research and innovation."

Key Achievements and Performance Indicators

The World University Rankings are determined by five main indicators: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook. UMS’s scores across these indicators reflect its strong performance and growing global presence.

• Teaching (16.3): UMS continues to make strides in delivering high-quality education. Key highlights include its impressive doctorate-to-bachelor ratio and staff-to-doctorate ratio, which further emphasize the strength of its teaching programs.
• Research Environment (9.2): UMS’s research environment is built on a foundation of global academic networks, fostering collaborations that extend its research capabilities internationally.
• Research Quality (58.2): This is perhaps UMS’s most significant achievement, as the university’s research output continues to make a global impact. Articles published in top-tier international journals, such as The Lancet, Nature, and Cancers, showcase the high-quality work produced by its academic community.
• Industry Engagement (17.6) and International Outlook (31.2): UMS’s increased international visibility and growing collaboration with industries around the world have strengthened its position in the global academic ecosystem.

Global Collaboration Fuels Success

A key factor behind UMS's rise in the rankings is its active participation in international research networks. UMS researchers have developed strong relationships with global counterparts, leading to publications in respected journals indexed by Scopus Q1. These collaborations have elevated the university’s global reputation and made a significant impact in various fields, including medicine, social sciences, and engineering.

“Our academic community’s ability to collaborate with international institutions is a major factor in our success,” Gunawan explained. “By engaging with global researchers, we’re able to contribute to solving global challenges and advancing knowledge.”

A Bright Future for UMS and Indonesia’s Higher Education

Looking ahead, UMS is focused on continuing its growth trajectory in both research and teaching. With eight doctoral programs currently available, the university is well-equipped to meet the increasing demand for high-level academic qualifications in Indonesia and beyond.

As UMS celebrates its recognition in the latest THE World University Rankings, it also reaffirms its dedication to academic excellence and international collaboration. This achievement reflects the broader success of Indonesian universities making their mark on the global stage, contributing to the strengthening of higher education in Southeast Asia.

For more details about Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta's rankings and its academic programs, visit their official website.