UNDIP, Semarang (May 7, 2025) – The second day of Universitas Diponegoro’s 178th graduation ceremony was marked by a special moment as Indonesia’s 13th Vice-President, Ma’ruf Amin, attended the event at UNDIP’s Muladi Dome to celebrate the graduation of his grandson, Achmad Fathi Khalidi, who earned a master’s degree in Architecture from UNDIP’s Faculty of Engineering.
The solemn ceremony was part of a three-day commencement series. It featured graduates from the Faculty of Economics and Business, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, and Faculty of Psychology. The first session, held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, included graduates from the Postgraduate School, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Faculty of Humanities, and Vocational School.
In his remarks, UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si. emphasized the significance of perseverance, integrity, and faith in God as key ingredients for achieving success. Drawing inspiration from Chinese philosophical values, the Rector—also a professor of Human Resource Management—invited graduates to reflect on five core elements believed to shape success: Ming (destiny), Yun (luck), Feng Shui (harmony), philanthropy (hard work and integrity), and education.
“When we walk the right path, all five come together. Education is the foundation, but without integrity and luck, our achievements can be hindered,” he said.
Echoing the rector’s message, UNDIP Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Heru Susanto, S.T., M.M., M.T. emphasized the role of education and integrity in shaping strong moral character. “Honor and serve your parents. Their prayers and blessings will guide your journey to success,” he said.
“To our cum laude graduates, congratulations on your academic achievement at UNDIP, one of Indonesia’s leading universities. For those who didn’t graduate with honors, know that perseverance and dedication will lead to success that even honors graduates may not achieve,” Prof. Heru added.
He also shared a heartfelt message in Javanese, offering wisdom and encouragement: “When the journey feels heavy, keep going and say it’s okay). Even if it feels difficult, continue the fight until you reach the end. Success takes time—it’s not like Instagram, where you click and instantly get a heart. Now is the time to say, ‘saiki aku wis gede, wis iso golek duwit dewe’ — ‘now I am grown, and I can earn my living.'”
UNDIP’s 178th graduation ceremony is being held in three sessions from May 6 to 8, 2025, at the Muladi Dome — the largest multipurpose hall in Jawa Tengah.
A total of 2,852 graduates are being honored during this cycle, consisting of 47 doctoral, 415 master’s, 37 specialist, 37 professional, 2,219 undergraduate, 79 applied bachelor (D4), and 18 diploma (D3) graduates. Of these, 2,087 graduates — or 73.18 percent — earned the distinction of cum laude. (Ut-Media Relations)
