UNDIP, Semarang (October 28, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) held a ceremony to commemorate the 97th Youth Pledge Day on October 28, 2025, at Widya Puraya Field, Tembalang Campus, Semarang, carrying the national theme “Pemuda Pemudi Bergerak, Indonesia Bersatu” (“Youth in Motion, Indonesia United”). The solemn event was attended by UNDIP’s academic community, along with the finalists and judges of the 2025 National Outstanding Student Selection (Pilmapres), adding to the celebration’s significance this year.
During the ceremony, the reading of the 1928 Indonesian Youth Congress Resolution was accompanied by the official speech from the Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. (HC) H. Erick Thohir, BA, MBA, delivered by the UNDIP Rector, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si. The speech emphasized the vital role of the younger generation as the nation’s successors—brave dreamers who persevere and uphold knowledge and integrity as their weapons for today’s struggles.
“We live in an era of rapid change, but do not be afraid to dream big, and do not be afraid to fail. You are not merely witnesses of history—you are the ones who will shape it,” conveyed the Minister in his message.
In his address, Prof. Suharnomo encouraged all attendees to remain grateful and passionate in creating works and innovations for the nation. He highlighted that this year’s Youth Pledge Day coincides with a series of remarkable achievements by UNDIP students on both national and international stages.
“Today is a special day for us, as we are joined by the finalists and judges of the 2025 National Pilmapres. Let’s give them a big round of applause. Alhamdulillah, this week we received proud news—UNDIP students won two silver medals at the National Student Qur’an Recital Competition (MTQMN), second place in the Diktisaintek finance and business competition, and the Antawirya Team of UNDIP secured first place in two categories at the 2025 Energy Efficient Car Contest (KMHE),” he said.
“These achievements prove that UNDIP students are making real contributions to the nation at both the national and international levels. This movement is the embodiment of youth in motion, united for Indonesia,” Prof. Suharnomo continued.
The Rector also addressed UNDIP’s ongoing research and innovation achievements in supporting impactful Diktisaintek programs and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in clean energy (SDG 7), innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), and climate action (SDG 13). He announced UNDIP’s new Zero Waste Campus 2025 Declaration as a tangible step toward a sustainable green campus.
“We are declaring 100% campus waste management through the UNDIP Zero Waste Program, which processes an average of one ton of waste per day into energy, compost, and other useful products. The Ministry has recognized UNDIP as a national model for campus waste management,” he explained.
Additionally, UNDIP has established a strategic partnership with the National Disaster Management Agency (Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana / BNPB), which will adopt five seawater desalination vehicles developed by UNDIP researchers. This initiative demonstrates UNDIP’s contribution to providing clean water (SDG 6) and enhancing disaster resilience (SDG 11).
Concluding his speech, the Rector reaffirmed UNDIP’s dedication to innovation that benefits society.
“We are preparing 30 of UNDIP’s best innovations to be implemented for industry and the community in celebration of our 68th Anniversary. Next year’s Dies Natalis theme is ‘Impactful and Valuable Innovation.’ This theme reflects our commitment to ensuring UNDIP remains dignified in academia and beneficial to society,” he stated.
With the spirit of the Youth Pledge and global sustainability values, UNDIP reaffirms its commitment to inspiring change, strengthening unity, and realizing a Noble and Valuable Indonesia, in line with its vision as a world-class research university that brings real impact to society. (Public Communication / UNDIP / DHW & Titis)
