Semarang-Central Java(15/10). Diponegoro University held a ceremony for the 65th Anniversary of Diponegoro University at the Prof. Soedarto, SH Building, Undip Tembalang campus on Saturday (15/10). This 65th Anniversary celebration raised the theme “Collaboration, Connectivity, Independence”. Presenting the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Moh. Mahfud MD, SH who delivered a scientific oration entitled “The State, Democracy and People’s Welfare”.
Starting the scientific oration, Prof. Dr. Moh. Mahfud MD, S.H. said that the age of 65 is an important and meaningful achievement for Undip. For 65 years, Undip has contributed to carrying out one of the constitutional mandates of the 1945 Constitution, namely contributing to the intellectual life of the nation. For 65 years, Undip has taken a noble role as the main node and pillar of development in the field of education. Undip has produced many qualified and integrity alumni for 65 years.
In his speech, Prof. Mahfud stated that our country has made a lot of progress in the democratization process. This is marked by, among other things, the melting of frictions between parties, vertical social mobility that allows ordinary people to become officials, and the holding of open and fair elections. However, there are still many problems to be solved, such as there is still a lot of money politics, hoax information, oligarchic practices, and the re-emergence of Corruption, Collusion and Nepotism.
Prof. Mahfud advised that to keep democracy running in a healthy manner, the division of roles of democratic institutions and economic institutions needs to be determined firmly. The state needs to intervene so that the applied market economy forces do not continue to widen inequality and cause democratic institutions to not be able to play an optimal role by providing restrictions on the role of economic actors in the political sphere. The weaknesses of the existing electoral democratic system also need to be corrected to ensure that Indonesian democracy remains healthy, where political equality can be maintained. If democracy is not improved, then even though the economy is growing, welfare and justice will continue to decline. If things did not go well, there would be 4 DIS linearity (Disorientation, Distrust, Disobedience, Disintegration).
“Hopefully, at the age of 65, Undip will continue to exist and can continue to increase its role and work in scientific development, be able to prove the benefits and meaning of its existence for the community, as well as be able to continue to encourage and develop research that provides benefits for the progress of the nation and state in accordance with Undip’s vision,” he said.
Meanwhile, in his remarks, the Undip Rector, Prof. Dr. Yos Johan Utama, S.H., M. Hum. said that Undip’s status as PTNBH (Legal Entity State University) required a major change in mindset for all academics. This new status gives greater authority to regulate and manage universities, but at the same time it is a challenge and demands a great responsibility.
Undip’s policy to continue to oppose and reject various forms of radicalism is also an attraction, especially for parents. This can be seen from the situation of Undip campus which is always conducive, upholding the moral values of the Indonesian nation based on Pancasila within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. The fact that Undip students come from various ethnic groups, religions, races and groups is a reflection of the above.
“We believe that Undip being a PTNBH also provides opportunities for Undip to develop programs and policies in order to achieve a research university that is superior, advanced, modern and sustainable in accordance with Undip’s vision. On the other hand, in managing Undip through policies, programs and activities, it is always based on Prince Diponegoro’s values, namely honesty, courage, fairness and caring,” he explained.
“Undip’s current position and condition cannot be separated from the great support from its students, education staff and lecturers. Various achievements that have been made by students both at national and international levels have brought Undip’s name very well. In the 2022 National Achievement Student Selection event which was announced a few days ago, Undip students, Ilham Muhammad won 1st place for the Undergraduate level and Nazilatul Hidayah won 3rd place for Vocational level,” continued the Rector.
“Diponegoro University will always stand at the forefront of maintaining the unity of the Indonesian nation, safeguarding the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, increasing the name of the Indonesian nation in the international world and also accelerating the government’s efforts to achieve the 2045 Golden Indonesia,” he concluded. (Lin,Ut-Public Relations)
