Prof. Dr. Imad Abu Kishek signed a series of significant strategic agreements with Muhammadiyah, Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization, during an official visit to the capital, Jakarta. Muhammadiyah is the largest Islamic institution in the country, encompassing a network of 164 universities and more than 120 hospitals.
The agreements included the establishment of a sustainable endowment for Al-Quds University, the strengthening of academic, research, and medical cooperation, and the establishment of a Muhammadiyah center on the campus of Al-Quds University. The visit also featured two keynote lectures delivered by Professor Dr. Abu Kishek on the development of higher education and the realities of life in Palestine.
As part of Al-Quds University’s growing global network of endowments, the visit included the signing of an agreement to establish the “Al-Quds University Endowment” in Indonesia. This initiative aims to enhance the University’s financial sustainability and long-term stability amid the challenging political and economic conditions facing Palestine.
Within the framework of academic cooperation, Prof. Dr. Abu Kishek also signed memoranda of understanding with Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY), Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), and several other Muhammadiyah-affiliated universities. These agreements seek to launch broad programs for academic, research, and student exchange. The cooperation further includes a strategic health component aimed at developing university hospitals and advancing medical education through the exchange of specialized personnel and by drawing on the extensive expertise of the Muhammadiyah hospital network. A joint executive committee was formed immediately to develop implementation plans and ensure the effective execution of these agreements.
In support of cultural cooperation, the agreements also include the establishment of the “Muhammadiyah Center” on the campus of Al-Quds University, envisioned as a hub for cultural and scientific exchange and a bridge linking the University to the largest educational network in Asia. The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives, including Professor Shafiq Mughni, Chairman of the Central Council of Muhammadiyah, and Professor Bambang Setiaji, Chairman of the Higher Education, Research, and Development Council.
The visit featured intensive academic engagement, during which Prof. Dr. Abu Kishek delivered two distinguished lectures. The first, titled “Al-Quds University’s Vision for the Development of Higher Education,” was attended by a select group of Indonesian university presidents, including presidents of Muhammadiyah universities in Purwakerto, Magelang, Purworejo, and Semarang, as well as presidents of Aisyiyah universities in Surakarta and Yogyakarta. The second lecture, titled “Life Under Siege: Resistance and the Hope of Palestine,” addressed the reality of Palestinian resilience and hope for the future and was delivered from the A.R. Fakhruddin Building at Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta.
Commenting on these achievements, Prof. Dr. Imad Abu Kishek stated:
“I was pleased today to sign this strategic memorandum with our partners in Muhammadiyah to establish a sustainable endowment for Al-Quds University in Indonesia. The addition of this new endowment to the University’s global network of endowments represents a decisive step in ensuring the continuity of the University’s academic, community, and enlightenment-oriented mission from the heart of the Holy City, regardless of the severity of the economic or political conditions facing our country. It is a genuine reinforcement of the bridges of Islamic and human fraternity that support the steadfastness of Jerusalemites.”
He added, praising the warm reception:
“I was honored by the fraternal welcome and witnessed a sincere commitment to a genuine and strategic partnership with this vast network of 164 universities. This cooperation will open unlimited horizons for joint scientific research and further strengthen Al-Quds University’s position as a global academic beacon.”
