[Unpad Media Channel] Universitas Padjadjaran has officially launched Mahat Masagi Unpad (MMU) Holding Company, a university-owned enterprise (BUMU) established not merely for commercial purposes, but as a driving force to amplify Unpad’s societal impact and support the advancement of education, research, community service, and the overall well-being of its academic community.
“This date, May 20th, once marked the rise of our nation voiced by our founding fathers. Today, at Unpad, we echo that spirit by launching MMU as a holding company. We pray that this strategic step will guide us toward a more independent and impactful future. MMU Holding reinforces our foundation and marks the beginning of Unpad’s institutional independence,” said Rector of Unpad, Prof. Arief S. Kartasasmita, during the launch event at Graha Sanusi Hardjadinata, Jl. Dipati Ukur No. 35, Bandung, on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025.
The event is also attended by the Chair of the Unpad Board of Trustees Dr. Ir. Arief Yahya, M.Sc., Unpad’s the 10th Rector, Prof. Ganjar Kurnia, the Vice Rector for Planning, Digital Transformation, Finance, and Business Management, Prof. Maman Setiawan, the Vice Rector for Research, Collaboration, and Marketing, Prof. Rizky Abdulah, the President Director of PT MMU, Dr. Arief Bustaman, as well as several MWA members, Unpad directors, and leaders of Unpad business units.
“We are not talking about ‘selling’ a university or the commercialization of higher education. We are discussing how we, with our own hands, can assist the government and ensure that quality education can be sustained through our own initiatives,” emphasized Prof. Kartasasmita.
In his remarks, Dr. Arief Yahya, the Chair of the Unpad Board of Trustees and former Minister of Tourism and President Director of PT Telkom Indonesia, outlined the transformation strategy for the BUMU, starting from an operational holding to a strategic holding within one year.
“The first stage is the operational holding, transforming PT MMU into a holding entity and establishing governance for the business structure. Within a year, it must transition into a strategic holding,” explained Dr. Arief.
Dr. Yahya also stressed that MMU Holding must be funded by Unpad’s own revenue sources, not from the national (APBN) or regional (APBD) budgets, making the company fully owned by Unpad. He further advised that funding could come from other sources such as bank loans, and that personnel must be professional and competent. Compensation should be competitive with market standards, the corporate charter must be specific and efficient to accelerate group business growth, and Unpad’s endowment fund should be managed by the BUMU holding.
In a video message, the Chair of the Unpad Alumni Association and Deputy Minister of Cooperatives of Indonesia, Ferry Juliantono, emphasized that the launch of MMU Holding represents more than just a business initiative—it is a bold move by the university to lead innovation, add value to research, and respond to the real needs of society and industry.
“I believe that with the spirit of academic entrepreneurship, this BUMU will become a driving force for a knowledge-based economy. May MMU Holding create sustainable economic opportunities,” stated Ferry Juliantono.
