UNDIP, Semarang (October 2, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., accompanied by the Chair of the Academic Senate, the Chair of the Board of Trustees, vice rectors, as well as Dean of the Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Prof. Sugiharto, S.Pt., M.Sc., Ph.D., and other faculty leaders, inaugurated the first rice planting at the new rice field laboratory on UNDIP’s Tembalang campus on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
The establishment of the rice field laboratory reflects UNDIP’s strong commitment to making food security an essential part of the Tri Dharma (the three pillars of higher education: education, research, and community service). The site, located on Banyu Biru Street in Tembalang Sub-District, covers an area of 2,000 square meters. It consists of two sections: 1,000 square meters of rice fields planted with the high-yield, pest-resistant Inpari 33 variety, and 1,000 square meters of dry fields planted with secondary crops. Plans are in place to expand the land to about 4,000 square meters next year under the initiative of Vice Rector II. The area is also being developed as an open research hub for fertilizer testing, nano-silica application, and the use of environmentally friendly digital technologies.
In his remarks, Rector Prof. Suharnomo highlighted the importance of the initiative. “Today, we see how the Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences demonstrates its determination to move forward. Thank you to the dean and the academic community for taking the initiative to secure agricultural land within the campus. We live in Indonesia, where agriculture is the main source of life. May this rice field become a new pride for UNDIP,” he said.
Prof. Suharnomo added that this initiative is an extraordinary achievement that could serve as an inspiration to others. He encouraged other faculties to take bold steps in creating similar breakthroughs so that the wider community can learn directly from UNDIP.
Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Prof. Sugiharto, expressed his gratitude for the realization of a long-held dream. “This morning, although under the scorching sun, our hearts are joyful because the dream since 2012 has finally come true—we now have rice fields on campus. Alhamdulillah, today we can carry out the first rice planting,” he said.
He also thanked the university leadership, Prof. Didik and team, and partners such as PT Regen for providing fertilizer. “Thank you to everyone who has supported this. Hopefully, this land will be useful, especially for students in supporting future learning and research. Our Agroecotechnology colleagues can also make the most of it,” he added.
The event began with the cutting of a tumpeng cone of rice, a wiwitan (beginning) ritual, as a form of gratitude, followed by prayers and a rice planting ceremony led by the rectorate, senate, and faculty leaders. The atmosphere of togetherness was palpable as everyone stepped into the rice field, symbolizing UNDIP’s determination to bring innovations close to the community on a continuous basis.
This rice planting is part of UNDIP’s broader commitment to contributing to the building of a sustainable green economy. The Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences integrates the activity with leading research in land management, superior seed development, and eco-friendly digital technologies.
The UNDIP Rice Field Laboratory serves not only as a platform for student practice but also as a concrete contribution to the “Diktisaintek Berdampak” program, where science and technology innovation directly address national challenges. The initiative also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger, which emphasizes the importance of achieving food security and sustainable agriculture.
With this inaugural planting, UNDIP strengthens its vision as a noble and valuable campus. The university goes beyond classroom teaching to directly engage with society, planting seeds of hope for a more independent and food-sovereign Indonesia. (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ DHW & Hng)