UNDIP, Semarang (4/5) – Universitas Diponegoro held a National Education Day Commemoration Ceremony in 2026 on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Widya Puraya Field, UNDIP Tembalang Campus. The ceremony was attended by university leaders, lecturers, education staff, and academic community in UNDIP.
The Rector of UNDIP, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., acts as Ceremony Supervisor. In his mandate, the Rector read the speech of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Brian Yuliarto, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., which carries the theme “Strengthening the Participation of the Universe in Realizing Quality Education for All.”
In the speech, it was conveyed that education is a constitutional mandate to educate the nation’s life. “Quality, fair, inclusive, and liberating education is not only an ideal, but a national obligation that must be realized together,” said the Rector of UNDIP. This spirit is in line with the direction of the development of higher education, science, and technology towards Golden Indonesia 2045 through the “Diktisaintek Berdampak” movement.
The Ministerial mandate also emphasizes three main forces in the transformation of higher education. First, the expansion of inclusive access to education so that no nation’s children are left behind due to economic, geographical, or social limitations. Second, strengthening campus collaboration with various parties through penta helix partnerships, “Magang Berdampak” Internship programs, Catalyst for Self-Reliant Partnerships, and the development of Science and Technology Parks. Third, strengthening research that does not stop at publication, but is capable of fostering innovation, industry, and real solutions for the community.
In his reflection, Prof. Suharnomo highlighted UNDIP’s commitment as an ‘Impact Campus’ that has been carried out consistently in the last two years, even before the idea was launched nationally. According to him, UNDIP’s steps in strengthening collaboration and presenting research that has a real impact have shown concrete results.
Various research and innovation achievements produced by the campus received government appreciation, such as the development of robotic insect technology for disaster mitigation creation by the Rotect Team of the Faculty of Engineering, UNDIP, which won the Gold Medal – Asia Youth Innovation Awards at the Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE) 2026, until the mobile water treatment system that has been utilized by BNPB, became evidence of academic work able to answer the needs of the community as well as receive attention at the national level.
According to him, universities must not cease to be mere teaching centers, but must be present as a producer of solutions to the nation’s problems. “Therefore, UNDIP continues to encourage the downstreaming of dozens of research results so that campus innovation is not only recorded in academic publications, but can actually be applied and benefited by the wider community,” said the Rector.
Furthermore, Prof. Suharnomo reminded that the main strength of education lies in the role of educators in forming a generation that is independent, characterful, and competitive. He invited the entire academic community to maintain integrity, purify intentions, and present the best work for students and the community, in line with the spirit of UNDIP as a dignified, useful, and impactful university.
“Let’s continue to maintain our ethos as an education warrior, by presenting the best version of ourselves to students. Hopefully, they can grow not only proficient in technical competence, but also have a good attitude and character. That way, our presence as educators can give meaning, as well as make our lives more dignified and useful, “the Rector said.
On this occasion, UNDIP presented Satyalancana Karya Satya honors to 499 employees as a form of appreciation for their service, loyalty, and dedication for 10, 20, and 30 years in carrying out state duties. Embedding was carried out symbolically by the Rector of UNDIP, accompanied by the Chairperson of the Academic Senate, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, and the Vice-Rectors to the recipient’s representatives. This award is a form of UNDIP’s appreciation to the academic community and education staff who have contributed to supporting the progress of the university, both in the fields of education, research, community service, and institutional governance. Through the commemoration of National Education Day 2026, UNDIP affirms its commitment to continue to be a noble, valuable, and impactful university. The spirit of inclusive and sustainable education is expected to be the basis for the entire academic community to continue to move, innovate, and make the best contribution to Indonesia. (Public Communication/ FK/ ed. DHW)
