Two Japanese professors visited Graduate School of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) on Wednesday (20/2). The two professors were Prof. Mitsuno Nakamura, Ph.D. and Prof. Tokoro Ikuya, Ph.D. from Chiba University and Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.  They came to UMY to undertaken a guest project to learn Islam and Muhammadiyah.

In his opening remark, Prof. Nakamura explained that his visit aimed to conduct a research in seven Asian countries to study Islam such as Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, and Cambodia. “In Indonesia, we have an opportunity to revisit UMY to study Islam and Muhammadiyah. Many Japanese students are interested in Islam,” stated Nakamura.

Meanwhile, Prof. Tokoro conveyed that he once had visited Indonesia as a tourist. “I was at Universitas Aisyah (UNISA) before I landed a visit at UMY. I am conducting a study of Asia-Africa, requiring me to invite 20 researchers from Southeast Asia, especially researchers who come from countries with a majority of Muslims as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Cambodia,” informed Tokoro.

Besides, Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni, and AIK (Al-Islam and Muhammadiyah) Hilman Latief, Ph.D. detailed that lecturers of postgraduate programs are now conducting research on many fields, namely conflict resolution, economic development, poverty, and religion. He revealed that UMY had published 10 papers on local history of Muhammadiyah. Hilman then mentioned that Office of Research, Publication, and Community Service (LP3M) of UMY owns some research related to local history of Muhammadiyah in Papua, Makassar, and Jawa Tengah. Indeed, the LP3M plans to publish and launch the papers very soon.

Hilman added that UMY just received a visit from Dutch Education Attaché. He asserted, “UMY held up a banquet from Dutch Education Attaché. In the visit, both parties discussed history and cultural exchange of Indonesia and the Netherlands. Next month, we will organize Summer School of Agricultural in Tropical Farming. This program is cooperation with Yamakata University of Japan. Hopefully this meeting will develop research collaboration between two universities.”