Semarang – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) officially started the construction of the Universitas Diponegoro Twin Towers at the Pleburan Campus, Semarang, with a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The event took place at the project site and was attended by various stakeholders supporting this strategic initiative.
As an educational institution, UNDIP remains committed to providing top-notch facilities to advance education, exemplified by the construction of the Twin Towers. The UNDIP Twin Towers will consist of two buildings, Education Building I and II, each with 15 floors, serving as shared lecture buildings. These towers will include parking areas, lecture halls, laboratories, office spaces, and other supporting facilities.
The design integrates a living-learning community concept, blending learning spaces with social areas in harmony. Featuring a modern aesthetic aligned with the UNDIP Campus image, the towers aim to be not only iconic but also symbols of progress, innovation, and dedication to nurturing high-quality future generations. This project is expected to become a hub for education designed to support academic excellence.
UNDIP Rector, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., expressed his hopes for the towers, stating that they would symbolize educational progress and improved academic services at UNDIP. “The construction of the Universitas Diponegoro Twin Towers at the Pleburan Campus is part of the university’s grand vision to enhance facilities and contribute significantly to education in Indonesia,” said Prof. Suharnomo.
Prof. Suharnomo highlighted the inevitability of change by saying that every era has its people, every person has their time, and every era has its own buildings. Some cherished memories from the Pleburan Campus must give way to new realities. “Memories, though beautiful, must yield to progress. Thus, some buildings must be replaced, and the Pleburan Twin Towers are part of that journey,” said UNDIP Rector.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of maximizing assets, stating, “With the Twin Towers, UNDIP can fully utilize its assets, turning the Pleburan Campus into a new icon. These towers will not only feature exceptional designs and organization but also serve as destinations for tourism and business. Independence and sustainability are paramount.”
At the same event, Yuyus Yuarsa, S.T., M.M., Director of Operations in the Building Division at PT. PP (Persero) Tbk. expressed gratitude and commitment to UNDIP, especially to the Rector and team, for entrusting them with the Twin Towers project.
“We have previously worked on several UNDIP projects, including the multipurpose building. This trust motivates us to deliver our best, supported by a top team, in line with our 72-year legacy as the oldest construction company by BUMN Karya,” said Yuyus.
Yuyus assured that PT. PP would maintain the highest standards of quality and safety, ensuring a green building aligned with the vision of the UNDIP Twin Towers.
“PT.PP sends its best team, including alumni from UNDIP, who serve as Project Manager, General Manager, and Head of Division. They work wholeheartedly to deliver excellence for their alma mater, from UNDIP to UNDIP. This groundbreaking is a milestone for a project slated for completion in two phases as stated in the contract as agreed by October 14, 2024—2026 for the first tower and 2027 for the second,” he conveyed.
Ir. Rudi Yuniarto Adi, M.T., the Commitment-Making Officer (Pejabat Pembuat Komitmen / PPK), provided a detailed technical report. “The Twin Towers at the Pleburan Campus, part of the 2023-2032 UNDIP’s Master Plan, will have 15 floors and a height of approximately 60 meters, complying with Aviation Safety Operational Area (Kawasan Keselamatan Operasi Penerbangan / KKOP) recommendations.”
“The UNDIP Twin Towers will have Education Building I, which will accommodate lecture rooms, offices, administrative spaces, and support facilities for the Faculty of Law, specifically for the Master of Law and Master of Notary study programs, as well as the Vocational School for Non-Exact Sciences. Meanwhile, Tower II will commence construction after the completion of the first,” he stated.
Rudi explained, “Phase one is scheduled to take 510 calendar days, from October 14, 2024, to March 7, 2026. Next, phase two will run from July 1, 2026, to August 24, 2027.”
To mark the groundbreaking, the UNDIP Rector, Chair of the Academic Senate, Chair of the Board of Trustees, representatives from PT PP (Persero) Tbk., and the PPK jointly pressed the siren button in the presence of attendees, including university leaders, local government officials, and technical teams.
The event was attended by the Vice Rectors, Deans of Faculties/Schools, Heads of Institutions, Heads of Agencies, Heads of Bureaus, and university leaders. Representatives of the local government, such as the Head of South Semarang District, the Head of the South Semarang Police Sector, the Commander of the 13th Semarang South Koramil, and the Head of Pleburan Village as well as the UNDIP Twin Towers Construction Technical Team and Construction Management Consultants.
This development reflects UNDIP’s commitment to creating a conducive ecosystem for intellectual growth, innovation, and collaboration. It not only provides adequate facilities but also prepares UNDIP to compete globally.UNDIP Twin Towers symbolize a bright future for UNDIP and Indonesia, enhancing the university’s capacity to excel in education, research, and community service.
The construction of UNDIP Twin Towers is anticipated to become a new icon for Universitas Diponegoro, improving the academic and research infrastructure of the UNDIP academic community. (DHW)