The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) of UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang officially established a partnership with the Faculty of Medicine of Sebelas Maret University (UNS) through the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) on the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. The signing ceremony, held on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Ar-Rahim Building, Campus 3 of UIN Malang, marks a significant step for both institutions in strengthening the quality of medical education, research, and community service.

This collaboration stems from a shared awareness that the challenges in medical education and healthcare are increasingly complex. Both faculties share a similar vision: producing competent, high-integrity physicians who make a significant contribution to society. "FKIK UIN Malang and FK UNS share the same vision: to produce competent, high-moral doctors who contribute to society. It is from this shared understanding that we have strengthened this collaboration through the Tri Dharma Partnership Agreement (PKS Tri Dharma)," said Dr. dr. Lailia Nur Rachma, M. Biomed, representing FKIK UIN Malang.

Furthermore, this collaboration is considered crucial in addressing real needs for academic and professional development. Efforts to improve graduate quality, strengthen research quality, and optimize community service activities are key focuses that must be prioritized together. The need to improve the quality of learning and educational output is seen as the most pressing aspect, followed by the drive to strengthen research capacity and scientific publications. Furthermore, the implementation of community service is also required to be more focused, sustainable, and have a tangible impact on the wider community.

Through this PKS, the two faculties are targeting various concrete programs that can be implemented immediately. The projected agenda includes guest lectures, collaborative research, exchange of experiences between lecturers and students, and regular community service activities. Dr. Lia hopes this collaboration will not stop at the ceremonial signing. "Going forward, I hope many concrete programs will emerge and what will be built is not only institutional relations, but also a sense of academic kinship between Malang and Solo," she said.

Some of the main objectives of this collaboration include improving the quality of medical education, expanding academic networks, strengthening joint research, and developing more systematic community service programs. This collaboration is also expected to broaden academic horizons and open up innovation opportunities for both lecturers and students.

However, several challenges have emerged since the beginning of implementation. Lecturers' busy schedules, differences in systems between universities, and funding requirements are all factors that must be considered for the program to run effectively. However, Dr. Lia is confident these obstacles can be overcome. "As long as communication is good and commitment is maintained, God willing, these challenges can be overcome gradually," she said.

UNS was chosen as a partner due to its strong track record as one of Indonesia's leading medical schools and its role in fostering the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine and Medicine at UIN Malang. "For us, UNS is a partner that is not only well-established in terms of experience, but also shares a vision and extensive network of educational institutions. This allows for real synergy, not just formality," he added.

The signing of this MoU marks a new milestone for both institutions in strengthening their contributions to medical education and healthcare. With this shared commitment, the Faculty of Medicine, UIN Malang, and the Faculty of Medicine, UNS, are expected to produce various innovations and concrete projects that will have a broad impact on Indonesian society.

Contributor: Ria Najja Nila Nafi'ah (PSSF 23)