UNDIP, Semarang (May 9, 2025) – Governor of Jawa Tengah, Komjen Pol (Purn) Drs. Ahmad Luthfi, S.H., S.St.M.K., recognized Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) as the province’s most outstanding partner in supporting regional development.
The Governor made the statement during a Gala Dinner and Working Meeting of the Forum of Boards of Trustees of Legal Entity State Universities (MWA PTNBH) across Indonesia, held on May 9 at Gradhika Bhakti Praja in the Jawa Tengah Governor’s Office complex.
Governor Ahmad Luthfi highlighted that 44 university rectors in Jawa Tengah have signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the provincial government, including UNDIP. “Recently, 44 university rectors in Jawa Tengah signed MoUs with us, and Universitas Diponegoro was the most prominent and forward-leaning. Thank you, Mr. Rector,” he said.
He also noted that UNDIP’s impact extends beyond Jawa Tengah, citing the use of UNDIP-developed desalination technology by the governors of Kalimantan Timur and Riau provinces. The innovation is among the university’s key contributions to other regions.
Governor Ahmad Luthfi reaffirmed his commitment to making Jawa Tengah a hub of progress on Jawa Island. He called for cross-sectoral collaboration in thematic, tiered, and sustainable development.
“Though we’ve just begun our term, we’ve already visited around 32 ministries to bring development programs to Jawa Tengah,” he said. “We’re also collaborating with local governments down to the village level in synchronizing regional development plans (RPJMD) with national development strategies (RPJMN).”
The Governor further encouraged Central Java legislators in the national parliament to support regional progress, emphasizing the importance of synergy between the public, academia, and all elements of society for evidence-based, impactful development.
UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., expressed appreciation for the active collaboration of the government of Jawa Tengah with universities.
“After being sworn in, the Governor assembled 44 university rectors in Jawa Tengah. For the first time, campuses are being directly involved in the development process. UNDIP has been tasked with supporting various programs, including stunting eradication and desalination initiatives, and we will carry out these mandates to the best of our abilities,” Prof. Suharnomo said.
On National Education Day, May 2, 2025, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia launched the “Diktisaintek Berdampak” (Impactful Higher Education, Science, and Tech) initiative. The program aligns with UNDIP’s mission and tagline: UNDIP, Noble and Valuable.
“We hope this initiative will reinforce the support system for the ministry, and we at UNDIP stand behind the programs led by Minister Prof. Brian Yuliarto,” Prof. Suharnomo added. He also thanked for the attendance of the Chairmans of MWA PTNBH from several universities.
Chair of UNDIP’s Board of Trustees, Prof. Mohamad Nasir, M.Si., Akt., Ph.D., praised the government of Jawa Tengah for its warm reception and highlighted the importance of the gathering beyond networking. He emphasized that the gala dinner event is not only a gathering event but also a space to transfer input and resolve various challenges faced by PTNBH.
“This evening is filled with joy and connection. It provides a space to share ideas and solutions, especially through the work of our commissions, such as Finance (Commission I), Assets and Human Resources (Commission II), and Endowment Funds (Commission III),” Prof. Nasir said.
The event was attended by the Indonesian Minister of Home Affairs, the Governor and Vice-Governor of Jawa Tengah, UNDIP’s rectorate leadership, and MWA PTNBH representatives from across the nation. The evening featured a traditional Gambyong dance performance by UNDIP’s Javanese Arts Student Group.
The gala dinner was part of a broader agenda of the 2025 MWA PTNBH Forum Gathering and Working Meeting. As the final of the meeting at Tentrem Hotel, Semarang, Prof. Mohamad Nasir, M.Si., Akt., Ph.D. (UNDIP) and Komjen Pol (Purn) Drs. Nanan Soekarna (UPI), were officially elected as Chairman and Deputy Chair of the forum for the 2025–2026 period.
Held in a warm and collegial atmosphere, the 2025 MWA PTNBH National Forum reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing higher education governance that is more inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with the advancement of national higher education. (Public Communications/UNDIP/Dhany. Ed. Nurul)