Semarang – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) held the Open Session of Purna Adi Cendekia at the Prof. Sudarto, S.H. Building, Tembalang Campus, on January 16, 2025. The event was organized to honor the dedication, service, and scholarly contributions of Prof. Dr. Dra. Dewi Yuliati, M.A., a prominent figure in the Faculty of Humanities at UNDIP. Prof. Dewi, an alumna of the Department of History at the Faculty of Humanities UNDIP (Class of 1985), has made significant contributions to the preservation of Indonesia’s culture and history.
During the session, Prof. Dewi delivered a scientific oration titled “Kota Lama: Past and Present.” The oration outlined strategic measures for proposing Kota Lama Semarang as a World Heritage Site to the United Nations of Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Prof. Dewi explained that achieving this recognition requires meeting two main criteria: Cultural Heritage Authenticity and Cultural Heritage Integrity.
Furthermore, Prof. Dewi delved into the long history and evolution of Kota Lama Semarang, highlighting its iconic historical buildings. These include Bank Mandiri Building, originally the VOC Governor’s Office in 1787 and later used by the Dutch Trading Company. This building is now located on Mpu Tantular Street No. 29.
Another highlighted landmark was the Marba Building, named after its owner, Marta Badjunet. It once served as a hub for trading and import-export activities.
In her oration, Prof. Dewi discussed the transformation of Kota Lama, including changes to its fort structure, which evolved from a five-sided to a six-sided design by the VOC, reflecting the city’s multifaceted development. She emphasized the importance of preserving the area as a center of history, culture, and unique architectural styles.
“In the 18th century, Kota Lama Semarang developed as an administrative city, a hub of settlements and community activities within defined administrative boundaries. Through maps, we can understand the city’s spatial layout, architectural styles, urban development, and facilities—whether political, economic, or cultural,” stated Prof. Dewi.
Concluding her oration, Prof. Dewi proposed a branding initiative for Kota Lama, saying, “I suggest branding Kota Lama Semarang as ‘Semarang Old City: The Splendid Cultural Heritage.’ This branding is crucial to enhance Kota Lama’s appeal as a world-class tourist destination while supporting the preservation of local culture.”
The Open Session ceremony served as a tribute to Prof. Dewi’s contributions to education and culture, reflecting Universitas Diponegoro’s commitment to preserving Indonesia’s history and cultural heritage. (Yovita; ed. DHW)
