The History of the Establishment of Universitas Diponegoro
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In the early 1950s, the people of Central Java, in general, and the residents of Semarang City in particular, felt the need to establish a university to provide higher education and teaching. The objective was to support the government in carrying out development across various sectors, especially in education. At that time, in Central Java and Yogyakarta, only Universitas Gadjah Mada existed as a state university.
Meanwhile, the number of high school graduates in the northern part of Central Java who wished to continue their studies at universities was increasing. However, due to the limited number of universities available, not all graduates could be accommodated. Recognizing the urgent need for higher education institutions, the Semarang Higher Education Foundation was established by Notarial Deed No. 59, dated December 4, 1956, issued by R.M. Soeprapto. This movement marked the initial step toward founding a university in Semarang City under the name Universitas Semarang, which was officially opened on January 9, 1957, with Mr. Imam Bardjo serving as its first President.
During the third anniversary (Dies Natalis) of Universitas Semarang on January 9, 1960, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno changed the name of Universitas Semarang to Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP). This renaming recognized Universitas Semarang’s achievements in developing higher education in Central Java.
The presidential decision was later reinforced by Government Regulation No. 7 of 1961 and the Decree of the Minister of Education, Teaching, and Culture No. 101247/UU dated December 3, 1960.
The decision was applied retroactively to October 15, 1957, which was then designated as the anniversary (Dies Natalis) of UNDIP. This date commemorates the Five-Day Battle in Semarang, part of the physical revolution during Indonesia’s struggle for independence. UNDIP chose this date to continue the ideals of the nation’s independence fighters by contributing to national development through education and intellectual advancement. UNDIP represents the younger generation’s commitment to fulfilling the mandate left by the heroes of independence.
The year 1957 was therefore established as the founding year of UNDIP, considering the historical reality that Universitas Semarang, founded in 1957 as a private university, served as the embryo of Universitas Diponegoro. The designation of October 15, 1957, as UNDIP’s anniversary (Dies Natalis) was officially stated in the Rector’s report during the 13th Anniversary of UNDIP.
Over its long journey, UNDIP has developed into one of Indonesia’s leading national universities, expected to strengthen the nation’s competitiveness through the graduates it produces and through its intellectual contributions to research and academic thought.
1. State University Status (PTN)
Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), based on Government Regulation No. 7 of 1961, was established as a State University located in Semarang City, the capital of Central Java Province.
2. Public Service Agency Status (BLU)
Based on the Decree of the Minister of Finance No. 259/KMK.05/2008 dated September 15, 2008, Universitas Diponegoro was designated as a government institution under the Ministry of National Education, implementing the Public Service Agency financial management system. Since then, UNDIP has managed its finances under the BLU financial management framework.
3. State University with Legal Entity Status (PTN-BH)
Based on Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 81 of 2014 concerning the Establishment of Universitas Diponegoro as a State University with Legal Entity Status (PTN-BH) (State Gazette of the Republic of Indonesia Year 2014 No. 302), UNDIP officially obtained the status of a State University with Legal Entity (PTN-BH).