UNDIP, Semarang (26/8) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) officially hosted the opening series of the inter-university badminton competition, Badminton Campus League (BCL) Season 1 Regional Semarang. The tournament was symbolically inaugurated with the first service performed by UNDIP Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Heru Susanto, S.T., M.M., M.T., at the Polytron Stadium UNDIP, Tembalang, Semarang, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
The opening series, which runs for four days until August 29, 2026, is participated in by universities from various regions across Indonesia, including Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Universitas Terbuka, and Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS) Makassar.
In his remarks, Prof. Heru expressed his pride and appreciation for the trust placed in UNDIP by the Campus League management and the Central Java Provincial Board of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) in appointing the university as the host. According to him, sports competitions provide a positive platform for students to make productive use of their time outside academic activities and to develop their potential.
“We at UNDIP are certainly proud and delighted to welcome positive initiatives such as the Campus League. Students have many opportunities to engage in activities beyond their academic studies, and sports are one of the best ways to fill that space with positive impacts,” he said.
Prof. Heru further stated that the Campus League could help restore Indonesia’s badminton glory. He emphasized that badminton is an iconic sport long associated with Indonesia’s identity on the global stage.
“Badminton is an iconic sport. The international community recognizes badminton as one of Indonesia’s main identities. I believe the Campus League is a concrete step toward reviving Indonesia’s badminton achievements. Above all, sportsmanship remains the primary value that must always be upheld,” he added.
Prof. Heru also expressed openness to further collaboration with Campus League organizers in developing other sports. He noted that UNDIP possesses sports facilities that could support such partnerships.
Echoing this view, Chairman of the Central Java Provincial PBSI Board, Akhmad Khafidz Basri Yusuf, appreciated the readiness of Semarang and UNDIP as hosts. He encouraged all student-athletes to compete fairly while maintaining the good name of their respective universities.
“This championship is not merely a competition for medals or trophies, but also a platform for friendship, achievement, and character building among students. With the hospitality and facilities available in Semarang, we are ready to hold a healthy competition while upholding fair play and preserving the reputation of our alma mater,” said Basri Yusuf.
The opening ceremony was also attended by UNDIP Director of Student Affairs and Alumni, Edy Surahmad, S.Pd., M.Si.; Campus League Chief Operating Officer (COO), Budi Tjahjono; and Head of Campus Relations, Arida Hikmawati. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Hng)