UNDIP, Salatiga (November 9, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) was entrusted by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology through the Center for Higher Education Financing and Assessment (PPAPT) to host the National Insight and State Defense Strengthening Program for new students receiving the Higher Education Affirmation Scholarship (ADik) in 2025. The three-day program took place from November 6 to 8, 2025, at the Wahid Prime Hotel in Salatiga City, as well as at several nearby locations.
The event was officially opened by UNDIP’s Vice Rector for Academics and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Ir. Heru Susanto, S.T., M.M., M.T. In his remarks, Prof. Heru emphasized that ADik scholarship recipients must be proactive, grateful, and able to seize this opportunity to prove themselves and contribute to their home regions. He also highlighted the importance of shared responsibility between students and the university in addressing academic challenges to ensure timely graduation.
“When you face difficulties in your studies, do not ignore them—resolve them. If you are unable to resolve them on your own, please visit the Student Affairs Office or other relevant units. They will be glad to help, because your success is also our responsibility. But that responsibility can only be fulfilled if you work together with us,” Prof. Heru stated.
He also encouraged students to adapt to the social environment in Jawa Tengah and build positive relationships with the surrounding communities. On that occasion, Prof. Heru expressed appreciation to partner universities for their collaboration and support in implementing the ADik scholarship program. “We share a common responsibility to ensure the success of the ADik scholarship program. If this activity goes well, I am confident it will draw greater attention from the government for similar programs in the future,” he added.
UNDIP Director of Student Affairs and Alumni, Edy Surahmad, S.Pd., M.Si., reported that the event, themed “Building the Character of Affirmation Students with National Insight and a Spirit of State Defense – Jawa Tengah Chapter 2025”, was attended by 184 ADik scholarship recipients from 11 universities across Jawa Tengah.
“This program aims to equip new students with a deeper understanding of national insight and state defense, instill patriotism, discipline, and a sense of responsibility. Through activities such as outbound training and teamwork exercises, participants are also guided to develop soft skills and build the integrity and leadership character expected from ADik scholarship recipients,” he explained.
Over the three days, participants engaged in a series of educational and character-building activities. The first day featured presentations on the ADik scholarship program by four speakers, including:
- Prof. Dr. Ir. Yonny Koesmaryono, M.S., ADik Scholarship PIC, PPAPT Kemdiktisaintek, on “Introduction and Orientation to the ADik Scholarship Program.”
- Prof. Dr.nat.tech. Siswo Sumardiono, S.T., M.T., UNDIP Director of Academic Affairs, on “Time Management and Personal Responsibility for ADik Students to Graduate On Time.”
- Dr. Unika Prihatsanti, S.Psi., M.A., Psychologist, UNDIP Academic Senate Member, on “Campus and Cultural Adaptation in Shaping the Character of Affirmation Students.”
- Annastasia Ediati, S.Psi., M.Sc., Ph.D., Psychologist, Head of UNDIP’s UPT LKDPDEM, on “Building Mental Resilience to Complete Studies and Face the Future for Affirmation Students.”
The second day featured discipline training and a mini-outbound program at Senjoyo Campground, Tengaran, Semarang Regency. Activities were guided by the Salatiga Military Command team, who delivered sessions on national insight and state defense, marching practice (Peraturan Baris Berbaris), and a mini-outbound program including high rope and flying fox exercises to foster teamwork, courage, and self-confidence. In the evening, participants showcased a diverse range of traditional arts and cultural performances, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. The third day concluded with a self-confidence outbound activity at Muncul Fun Tubing, Banyubiru, designed to build mental resilience and enhance self-esteem. The entire program was coordinated by UNDIP’s Directorate of Student Affairs and Alumni under the guidance of the PPAPT Kemdiktisaintek, as the managing body of the ADik scholarship program.
Through this event, Universitas Diponegoro reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a new generation of resilient, ethical, patriotic, and socially conscious individuals. The program also serves as a sustainable effort to strengthen national awareness among students while reinforcing the role of higher education institutions in nation-building.
The ADik Scholarship Program is an initiative of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology that provides access to higher education for students from Papua, frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged regions (3T areas), as well as children of Indonesian migrant workers. The program reflects the government’s strong commitment to expanding equitable access to higher education while improving the quality of Indonesia’s human resources. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Dhany)
