Malang, en.SERU.co.id – The Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) encouraged 541 new students of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (FiksFar) to become problem solvers. He also urged them to uphold the spirit of transforming the former Faculty of Health Sciences (FIKES) into FiksFar.
UMM Rector Prof Dr Nazaruddin Malik SE MSi said the university is currently transforming from a knowledge provider into a problem solver. The focus is on developing knowledge toward an Excellence Solution Center.
“Higher education institutions are encouraged not only to teach knowledge but also to actively deliver real actions and solutions for human life and the wider community,” said Prof Nazar, as he is popularly known, during the 2026 New Student Orientation Program (PESMABA) at UMM Campus II on Wednesday (9/9/2026).
Pesmaba UMM 2026 carries the spirit “Gen 26 UMM, Excellence Solution Future! UMM: Innovation, Independent and Impactful!” As a guide for new FiksFar students in their academic life, Prof Nazaruddin introduced the “5 S” philosophy. The five points are:
- welcome to join and enjoy UMM
- study well
- aim as high as possible
- pray, perform salat and work hard
- interact positively and achieve excellence
“I advise students to actively build healthy social relations and balance prayer with real hard work,” he stressed.
Transformation of FIKES into FiksFar UMM
Dean of FiksFar UMM Dr apt Hidajah Rachmawati SSi SpFRS explained that FIKES officially transformed into FiksFar based on the UMM Rector’s Decree dated 20 July 2026. The change is a strategic policy to expand the scope and development of knowledge in health and pharmaceutical sciences at UMM.
“UMM is moving from simply a place to learn and develop knowledge toward an institution that provides real solutions for society in the health sector. This change is made so the white campus can get closer to and better understand community needs without any gap,” said Ida, as she is commonly called.
FiksFar UMM currently oversees six study programs covering bachelor’s degrees and professional programs. These include:
- Bachelor of Nursing and Nurse Profession
- Bachelor of Pharmacy and Pharmacist Profession
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Physiotherapist Profession
“In the future, the faculty also plans to continue adding and developing other health science clusters,” she explained.
Theme of Pesmaba FiksFar UMM 2026
Pesmaba FiksFar UMM 2026 carries the theme GREEN SEED: Growing EcoGenZ as part of efforts to align faculty activities with the green and clean movement developed by UMM. This matches the overall Pesmaba UMM theme “Gen26 UMM: Green and Clean: No Waste, Beautiful Campus, Protected Environment.”
“All these activities minimize the use of plastic, so they remain green and clean. The students learn to use tumblers and food is served in paper boxes instead of plastic,” Ida explained.
This year FiksFar UMM accepted 541 new students, divided as follows:
- Pharmacy Program: 187 students
- Physiotherapy Program: 207 students
- Nursing Program: 147 students
The new FiksFar students come from various parts of Indonesia, dominated by applicants from Java, especially East Java. There are also students from outside Java such as Sulawesi, Sumatra, Kalimantan, East Nusa Tenggara and West Nusa Tenggara. This includes five scholarship recipients under a cooperation scheme with the Central Papua Provincial Government who are studying Pharmacy and Nursing at UMM.
“We do not only teach knowledge but also provide real solutions for society. The entire curriculum is designed to be integrated with industry needs and primary health services,” she said.
Encouraging International Careers and Job Absorption
FiksFar UMM records strengths through its international cooperation network. Graduates of the Nursing and Physiotherapy programs have been widely absorbed into overseas job markets such as Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Japan and the Middle East. For the work program to Germany, UMM facilitates free German language training for one year.
“To support smooth international careers from an early stage, UMM is also expanding the Foreign Language for Student (FLSP) program for bachelor students. Through this program students can choose a foreign language focus according to their career goals such as German or Japanese in addition to English,” said Henik Tri Rahayu SKep Ns MS PhD, Vice Dean II of UMM.
At the local and national levels, FiksFar UMM alumni also have strong competitiveness. The government requirement for physiotherapists at community health centers has boosted applicant interest. Meanwhile, Nursing and Pharmacy graduates are widely absorbed into hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry, and many open their own clinics and pharmacies.
“One strategic breakthrough is the establishment of the Suryavena brand infusion factory in the Karangploso area in 2027. This forms part of the downstreaming of UMM campus health research and knowledge,” added Heni, as she is popularly known.
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Strategy for On-Time Graduation in 3.5 Years
To ensure quality and timely study completion, FiksFar UMM applies a responsive curriculum scheme and final project equivalence system. These include:
• 3.5-Year Study
Students with a GPA above 3.5 are given the opportunity to take up to 24 credits per semester so they can complete all theoretical course loads by semester 7.
• Thesis Equivalence
A thesis is not limited only to conventional research. Scientific works that successfully enter reputable journals or win national or international scientific competitions can be equated as a final project through the dissemination pathway.
• Strict Mentoring and Integrated System
Every student is accompanied by an academic advisor with regular monitoring at least twice per semester. Academic monitoring is also supported by the “MyParents” system that allows parents to track their child’s grade progress directly.
“The main reason students are delayed in graduating is usually a postponed thesis. Therefore, we apply evaluation starting from semester 3. Students with potential to graduate in 3.5 years receive special treatment. The same applies to students who need extra mentoring, so they do not fall behind,” Ida emphasized. (rhd)
