National Awakening Day (Harkitnas), commemorated every May 20, reminds the Indonesian nation of the beginning of the national struggle. On Monday, May 20, 2024, Diponegoro University (UNDIP) held a flag ceremony at the Widya Puraya field to celebrate the 116th National Awakening Day. This event reignited the spirit of awakening within the UNDIP community, attended by all members of UNDIP’s academic society.
UNDIP Rector, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., acted as the ceremony’s leader and read a speech from the Indonesian Minister of Communication and Informatics, Budi Arie Setiadi—May 20 marks the founding date of the Boedi Oetomo organization, the first milestone of national awakening. Now, the Indonesian nation is in the second phase of awakening, continuing the first phase fought for by the nation’s leaders a century ago. Technological advancements signify revolutionary changes in human life. With optimism and full confidence, let’s celebrate this second phase of awakening towards a Golden Indonesia.
UNDIP Rector also expressed gratitude to the academic community and staff who participated in the flag ceremony in an orderly manner. Prof. Suharnomo mentioned that today is a moment of awakening for intellectuals. “According to BJ Habibie, an intellectual is someone who cares about society and the environment. In its efforts to contribute to the people of Central Java, UNDIP has developed desalination technology that can convert brackish water into fresh water of drinking quality. Let us use this moment to make UNDIP more beneficial and more connected to the people. On May 15, we held the ‘Sit Together with the Rector’ event, where we had discussions because the campus belongs to every one of us. Alhamdulillah, UNDIP is one of the six state universities that did not increase tuition fees (UKT),” he explained.
During this 2024 National Awakening Day ceremony, the UNDIP Rector introduced a new tagline: “Undip Bermartabat, Undip Bermanfaat, Undip Jaya” (Undip Dignified, Undip Beneficial, Undip Glorious). Dignified means implementing policies according to morality and good university governance SOPs; Beneficial means UNDIP continuously provides benefits (eternity); and Glorious means maintaining sustainability.
“Academics will be the leading force on this campus, and student competence will be the main focus. We all must contribute to society, and students can compete in the labor market,” said Prof. Suharnomo.
An exciting and unique aspect of this year’s National Awakening Day ceremony was the presence of a goat at the end of the event. To further strengthen the participants’ resolve and enthusiasm, the Rector of UNDIP awarded a goat to the unit/department/faculty that participated in the ceremony in the most orderly and respectful manner. This year, the goat was awarded to the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) for their complete formation, enthusiasm, and spirit during the ceremony.
The Dean of FISIP UNDIP, Dr. Drs. Teguh Yuwono, M.Pol.Admin, represented the entire FISIP UNDIP academic community in receiving the goat from the Rector of UNDIP. “We give appreciation to the most enthusiastic unit. Enjoying and having fun in the ceremony while remaining solemn and orderly,” said Prof. Suharnomo.
“The Dean is the primary commander, the one who knows the staff best and how they work. Hopefully, in future ceremonies, the lines will remain orderly and solemn,” concluded the Rector of UNDIP. (Titis ed. Ut-Public Relations)
