The opening of the 5th International Summer Course Umla 2025 was a lively event. From the Saman Dance to Tapak Suci, this event became a cultural gathering and reaffirmed UMLA's role in a sustainable global network.

— The melodious sound of angklung echoed in the Budi Utomo Auditorium, Muhammadiyah University Lamongan (Umla) Campus, on Monday morning (7/21/25). These distinctive Indonesian melodies marked the beginning of the 5th International Summer Course Umla 2025, an academic forum themed “Inclusive and Sustainable Local Economic Development Strategy in the Digital Era,” which embodied the spirit of global collaboration and local wisdom.

The opening of this offline event was warmly welcomed by participants from eight countries. The multicultural atmosphere was evident from the start of the event, beginning with a stunning performance of the Saman Dance. This traditional dance from Aceh captivated the guests and created an atmosphere of togetherness that became the spirit of this international event.

The opening remarks were delivered by the organizing committee, who introduced the participants and greeted the guests, both in person and online. The recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an added to the solemnity of the atmosphere, before moving on to the formal remarks from the university leadership.

Read also: Instagram to TikTok: The Road from Village Tourism to the Global Stage Executive Chair Nur Hidayati, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep., mentioned in her report that 18 participants took part in this year's program. She also emphasized that this summer course has become an annual tradition at Umla.

“The summer course has been held for 5 years, with the 2021 edition taking place online. The 2022-2024 editions will be held in a hybrid format, and this year's edition will be held entirely offline,” she said.

The Rector of Umla, Prof. Dr. Abdul Aziz Alimul Hidayat, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kes., in his speech said that the International Summer Course is a tangible manifestation of Umla's commitment to strengthening international networks while supporting local economic development. He also appreciated the involvement of all participants from various countries and the full support of the Umla academic community.

As an official symbol of the start of the event, Abdul Aziz Alimul Hidayat, together with the vice rector, the dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, and the Head of the International Affairs Office (KUI), simultaneously played the angklung. The harmonious sound seemed to be a beautiful metaphor: that cross-border collaboration can run harmoniously like the notes in a melody.

After the opening ceremony, a group photo session was held between university leaders, invited guests, and participants. This moment was captured as a symbol of international friendship and collaborative spirit in the framework of global education.

The atmosphere then became lively again with a performance of Tapak Suci martial arts, which showcased the strength and discipline characteristic of Muhammadiyah. Applause echoed as the young warriors performed agile and decisive moves.

The highlight of the event was the Cultural Parade, featuring representatives from eight countries wearing traditional clothing and showcasing their respective arts and cultural symbols. The colorful costumes and expressions of joy demonstrated the rich diversity united in a spirit of togetherness.

Over the next few days, participants will attend academic sessions, interdisciplinary discussions, and field trips highlighting the local potential of Lamongan Regency within the framework of sustainable development. The speakers come from various countries with backgrounds in economics, social sciences, and technology.

This opening is not merely a ceremony. It serves as an affirmation that Muhammadiyah University of Lamongan is ready to take its place on the global stage, without abandoning the cultural roots and local values that form its strength.