Malang Raya which includes Malang city, Batu city and Malang district has more than 20 universities both large and small universities. The city which was proclaimed as An International Education City on 2004 by the Mayor of Malang city Peni Suparto, was occupied by approximately 110.000 students from all over Indonesia and overseas. UMM was one of the top private universities in Malang which had more than 23.000 students. The campus located on the border among Malang city, Malang district and Batu city.
What made the Major Malang became a reference university for students from others region? What were the reasons of choosing UMM as a place for studying? Here was the result that had been collected from the admission of students and alumni of UMM.
Five Reasons of Choosing Malang
First, geographically, Malang was in the plateau with the weather was relatively stable that made the city was cool. “Malang always makes me miss the weather,” said Julio Tomas Pinto, an alumnus of FISIP UMM who is now being State Secretary for Defense, Timor Leste.
Second, Although Malang was not a big city, it was a modern city. Almost all of the facilities of modern city existed in Malang, such as modern transportations, mall, shopping centers, sports center, and many other facilities. “Malang is a complete city," stated Trisna Wijayanti, one of students from Banjarmasin.
Third, Malang had hardly ever affected by flooding, volcanic eruption, tsunami wave, etc. “This city is safe from any natural disaster. That is why my parents do not worry about my safety,” said Ratih Wulan Pinandu, one of UMM students from Lampung.
Next, as an education city, Malang had produced many works of academic and national scientists. “The Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals Association (ICMI) itself was created in Malang, others academic organizations was also created in here,” Explained Putri Eka Pratiwi, an alumnus from Social Welfare of FISIP UMM, which is now working as a Cooperate Communication in Djarum Foundation, Jakarta.
The last, Malang was well-known as one of cultural center which often being the national trendsetter. There were many culture studios, and tourism places which were popular. “Malang is very interesting,” said Ashley Arzy, a master (S2) student from Ohio University, United States who had studied in UMM.
Five Reasons of Choosing UMM
First, UMM campus was very gorgeous, cool, and comfortable for studying. “I love the situation. It is similar with campuses in Poland, “said Hanna Szimanska, UMM student from Poland.
Second, in UMM the academic traditions and competition atmosphere were very strong, and also the academicians were open-minded. “The academic culture can make us feel comfortable in studying and doing activities,” said M.Alfan Alfian, an alumnus of FE UMM, who is now being a political analyst in The Akbar Tandjung Institute.
Third, UMM had been known as a characterized campus and forming nationalism character. Diversities in UMM were respected. “I really feel study in a peaceful campus although I am not a Muslim,” stated Farden Atus, a student from Timika, Papua.
Fourth, the entrepreneurship atmosphere, creative and innovative thought were very conducive in UMM. “The students can practice work through an apprentice as a part time staff in any units in UMM,” said Fikri Taufani, an alumnus of UMM from Palangkaraya.
Fifth, International Partnership in UMM opened a big chance scholarships for the students and lecturers. “No one thought that I can go to the football country like Portugal, but I did,” stated Rendra Ardyansyah, a student of FISIP UMM who got an Erasmus Mundus scholarship in Portugal. (nov/nas/t_rys)
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