Unismuh becomes the best PTS in Eastern Indonesia according to THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026

MAKASSAR, Suara Muhammadiyah — Muhammadiyah University (Unismuh) Makassar recorded an increase in its ranking in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ranking 2026. The campus entered the 801-1000 global ranking group, up from 1001-1500 the previous year.

This achievement places Unismuh Makassar as the best private university in the Eastern Indonesia region in this ranking. For the Eastern Indonesia region in general, Unismuh comes from Hasanuddin University which has the status of a state university.

In the Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah or PTMA Higher Education group, Unismuh Makassar ranks third nationally. The first position is occupied by Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta at rank 401-600, followed by Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta at rank 601-800. Unismuh Makassar is ranked 801-1000.

A number of other PTMAs were also included in the ranking. Muhammadiyah University of North Sumatra, Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo, Prof Dr Hamka Muhammadiyah University and Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya are each in the 1001-1500 ranking group.

The increase in Unismuh Makassar’s ranking was also followed by an increase in a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators. One of the most important achievements is visible in SDG 2, namely Zero Hunger. In this indicator, Unismuh rose from rank 401-600 to 101-200.

This increase is considered to reflect the campus’ contribution to issues of food security, social awareness, community empowerment, as well as programs that have a direct impact on public welfare.

Four other indicators also increased. SDG 3, Good health and well-being, increased from 1,001 to 1,500 to 601 to 800. SDG 8, Decent work and economic growth, increased from 601-800 to 401-600. SDG 16, Peace, justice and strong institutions, moved from 801-1,000 to 401-600. Meanwhile, SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals, increased from 1,001 to 1,500 to 301 to 400.

Unismuh also maintained its achievements in SDG 4, Quality Education, at position 401-600. This achievement shows the campus’s consistency in strengthening the quality of learning, increasing human resource capacity and expanding access to education.

In 2026, Unismuh will also be included in eleven new SDGs. Some of the new achievements that stand out include SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, at positions 201 to 300; SDG 1, No poverty, at positions 301 to 400; and SDG 12, Responsible consumption and production, at positions 301 to 400.

Apart from this, Unismuh is listed in ODD 5 at position 401-600, ODD 6 at position 600+, ODD 7 at position 601-800, ODD 9 at position 601-800, ODD 10 at position 601-800, ODD 13 at position 601-800, ODD 14 in position 400+ and the ODD. 15 at positions 401 to 600.

This achievement is part of the orientation of the Diktisaintek IKU Main Performance Indicators or Impact, particularly with regard to the involvement of universities in the achievement of SDG 1 on zero poverty, SDG 4 on quality education, SDG 17 on partnerships, as well as two other SDGs according to institutional excellence. For Unismuh, the two indicators that stand out are SDG 2 at positions 101 to 200 and SDG 11 at positions 201 to 300.

Unismuh Makassar Chancellor Dr. Abd Rakhim Nanda, MT, said that this achievement was the result of the joint work of the entire university community. According to him, the increase in sustainability impact scores shows that Unismuh’s institutional transformation is moving in the right direction.

“This achievement is not just about the rankings, but also about how Unismuh ensures that education, research, services, governance and partnerships have a real impact on society. Improvements across a number of SDGs show that our academic and institutional work is increasingly relevant to the needs of our times,” Rakhim said.

He added that international reputation must be built on the university’s real contribution to society, the nation and the sustainable development agenda. For this reason, he said, Unismuh will continue to strengthen its role as a campus of progress, impact and global reputation.

Vice Chancellor IV Unismuh Makassar Dr. Burhanuddin MSi said this achievement was also in line with the direction of IKU Diktisaintek Berimpak. According to him, universities must not only excel academically, but also be present to provide solutions to social, educational, economic, environmental and partnership problems.

“Unismuh will continue to strengthen a culture of quality, cross-unit collaboration, internationalization and data-driven performance documentation. We want to ensure that every university program does not stop at activities, but produces real benefits for society,” Burhanuddin said.

The Chairman of the Unismuh Global Center of Excellence or UGEC, Professor Hartono Bancong, PhD, expressed his appreciation to all faculties, institutions, offices, study programs and work units that contributed to this achievement. According to him, international rankings are not only important for global reputation, but also serve as an evaluation tool for universities.

“Rankings like this are a mirror for universities to see the position and performance of institutions in a more measurable way. From these results, we can discover aspects that are already strong, as well as areas that still need to be strengthened. For Unismuh, the achievements of 2026 provide new energy to continue improving competitiveness and global reputation,” Hartono said.

Head of UGEC Rankings Division Ardiana said Unismuh’s achievements in THE Impact Rankings 2026 were inseparable from strengthening data, evidence and integrating inter-unit reporting. According to him, universities’ contributions to the SDGs must be supported by careful, valid documentation that meets international ranking standards.

“THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 requires universities to robustly demonstrate their contribution to the SDGs. Therefore, in the future, UGEC will continue to strengthen coordination with faculties, institutions, offices, study programs and strategic units so that Unismuh’s impact programs can be documented more systematically,” explained Ardiana.

With an overall achievement of 801 to 1,000 and inclusion in 17 SDGs, THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 is an impetus for Unismuh Makassar to strengthen its competitiveness and global reputation. This achievement also confirms Unismuh’s position as one of the campuses in Eastern Indonesia that continues to expand its contribution to higher education, society and the sustainable development agenda.