Semarang – “In 2024, Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) marks its 67th year, having dedicated itself to higher education in Indonesia. As part of its commitment to advancing and developing to support poverty alleviation, UNDIP continues to develop various innovative programs aimed at improving community welfare,” stated Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si. during the Open Senate Ceremony of UNDIP’s 67th Anniversary held at the Muladi Dome, UNDIP Tembalang Campus, on Tuesday (10/15).
For the highlight of the 67th UNDIP Anniversary celebration, Prof. Rhenald Kasali, Ph.D., was invited to deliver an academic speech titled “Developing Excellent Human Resources for Poverty Alleviation and Food Security.”
The UNDIP Rector also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all parties who have contributed to UNDIP’s achievements.
“UNDIP’s new tagline, ‘UNDIP Bermartabat, UNDIP Bermanfaat,’ embodies the spirit behind all university activities in education, research, and community service. UNDIP with dignity represents a vision for research excellence, with UNDIP committed to becoming a World Class University and part of the global epistemic community,” said Prof. Suharnomo.
“Dignity for research excellence and knowledge advancement, and purpose in poverty alleviation and food security,” he added.
The Chairman of the UNDIP Academic Senate, Prof. Ir. Edy Rianto, M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU, in his introductory remarks for the Open Senate Session, highlighted that Diponegoro University, now in its 67th year, has significantly contributed to national development in Indonesia. “UNDIP’s current challenge is to help raise the Gross Enrollment Rate (GER) for Higher Education nationally and to develop modern science and technology for the nation’s progress,” stated Prof. Edy.
Prof. Rhenald Kasali, Ph. D., a professor of the Faculty of Economics and Business at the Universitas Indonesia (UI), emphasized during his academic address that the world order has shifted since the advent of information technology, bringing new opportunities and challenges.
In the context of poverty alleviation, he stressed the need for a balanced and productive work environment that promotes innovation. “Today’s workforce is largely dominated by young people who seek balance in terms of adequate income and alignment with their passion. They prefer work-life balance, balancing work time with personal time,” said Prof. Rhenald.
On the topic of human resources, he noted the global talent shortage, where businesses and organizations struggle to find skilled employees. “Universities are expected to produce graduates with strong skills and a productive work ethic,” he explained.
Prof. Rhenald also pointed out that Indonesia, with the world’s second-largest biodiversity after Brazil, is rich in resources that can contribute to well-being, including fresh food, fresh air, and fresh water.
“Food security is critical as the planet, designed to support 3 billion people, now holds 8.3 billion. The Earth we live on is not all land; 70% is ocean, and even the land we do have isn’t entirely inhabitable, as much of it is made up of deserts, forests, and protected areas. These are some of the barriers we face,” Prof. Rhenald continued, “and we’re also witnessing a decline in agricultural culture.”
“We need to foster more innovation and discoveries from within the campus. In conclusion, on what should be done, I suggest we create space for exploration as educators, begin teaching students to understand themselves and their strengths; improve their mindset beyond simply pursuing degrees; teach them to act by delivering innovations; the younger generation must be bold in capturing domestic and export markets through innovation and thoughtful approaches; and consider ecosystems in industrial development by thinking in clusters. Likewise, our approach to agriculture, food, economics, and business needs to evolve,” he added.
“I hope for tremendous progress for UNDIP, with each of you playing a role in advancing Indonesia,” Prof. Rhenald concluded.
The 67th UNDIP Anniversary Ceremony also included award presentations to the President Director of PT Bayan Resources Tbk for providing UNDIP scholarships, to the family of the late Moersito (composer of UNDIP’s Mars and Hymn), to new doctoral graduates, to top 2% scientists in the world for 2024 by Stanford University, and to outstanding staff members. (DHW & Titis – Public Relations)
