Research, Service and Collaboration

LAWANG – University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) once again, showed its strong commitment to the empowerment of the elderly through its support in the launch and inauguration of the management of Paguyuban Bina Lansia RAAL Griya Asih Lawang on Sunday (10/26). Vice-Rector IV UMM, Muhammad Salis Yuniardi, M.Psi, Ph.D., was directly present in this event to provide support for programs that focus on improving the welfare of the elderly.

This event was attended by various officials and stakeholders, including Plt. Malang Regent, Didik Gatot Subroto, who welcomed the involvement of UMM as a collaborator in the assistance of the elderly in the Malang Regency. Didik expressed his appreciation to UMM and his hope that this collaboration could be expanded to other sub-districts in Malang Regency. "With the assistance from UMM, we can give more attention to the elderly in Griya Asih Lawang and throughout Malang Regency together," said Didik.

In addition to being a companion partner, UMM also plays a role in presenting social interaction for the elderly in Griya Asih. Vice-Rector IV, Salis Yuniardi revealed that the elderly happiness index tends to be higher when they have a close relationship with children. "With the presence of UMM students, who have run the program until the XVI batch in Griya Asih, the grandmothers here seem to have grandchildren who accompany their days, creating a different cheerful atmosphere," explained Salis.

The presence of UMM students in this program not only aims to increase the happiness of the elderly but also expands the reach of UMM's service beyond Griya Asih. With the establishment of this paguyuban, UMM hopes that its contribution in empowering the elderly can develop and reach more people.

This collaboration is also directed to strengthen the synergy with the Center for Economic, Business, and Entrepreneurship Development (Pusat Pengembangan Ekonomi, Bisnis, dan Kewirausahaan-PPEBK) UMM. This step is expected to encourage Griya Asih as a more productive philanthropic organization in developing positive activity programs, thus giving a wider real impact to the elderly community in Malang Regency.