UNDIP, Semarang (June 12, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) welcomed an official visit from the Pemalang Regency Government, led by Regent Anom Widyantoro, S.E., M.M., accompanied by Deputy Regent Nurkholis, S.H., M.Si., on Thursday (June 12, 2025) at 8:30 WIB. The meeting took place in the Rector’s Meeting Room, Widya Puraya Building, UNDIP Tembalang Campus. The visit marked an initial dialogue and exploration of a potential partnership aimed at advancing regional development in the northern coastal region of Jawa Tengah, particularly Pemalang Regency.
In his remarks, UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., expressed appreciation for the visit and underscored the importance of collaboration between higher education institutions and local governments. “We thank the Regent for this visit. A year ago, we adopted the tagline ‘Noble and Valuable UNDIP’ — a reflection of our commitment to actively contribute to solving societal issues, especially in the northern coastal region,” he stated.
Prof. Suharnomo emphasized that UNDIP aims to avoid becoming an “ivory tower” detached from real-world challenges. Initiatives such as Thematic Community Service (KKN-T), research and community outreach programs, and technological innovations like the university’s desalination machines — which have drawn attention from local governments — are all examples of UNDIP’s tangible contributions. “We are deeply committed, but we want these collaborations to be genuinely reciprocal. Tackling poverty requires synergy between communities, governments, and educational institutions,” he added.
“This meeting is a promising and blessed beginning. We can collaborate in many areas, and hopefully, we can contribute significantly,” the Rector continued.
Pemalang Regent Anom Widyantoro expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from UNDIP’s leadership. He described the visit as a strategic opportunity to build synergy with a major academic institution to support regional progress. “We are honored by the gracious reception. This collaboration is a privilege for us, and we hope to build collaboration and gain support from UNDIP,” he said.
“We’re here with several department heads to explore Pemalang’s potential and to share challenges we’re facing, such as stunting, education, and public welfare. Through collaboration with UNDIP, we aim to improve our service to the community,” Anom added.
He expressed hope that UNDIP’s experience and capacity would help address these challenges through concrete actions. “We share the same spirit of public service, in line with the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. May this meeting mark a meaningful and blessed start for us all,” he concluded.
The session continued with a presentation outlining the Pemalang Regency Government’s proposed collaboration with UNDIP. The proposed initiatives include integrated programs in education, healthcare, and community development — all geared toward improving the well-being of residents. It is hoped that this dialogue will lead to a sustainable, strategic partnership with a tangible impact, driving forward the advancement of Pemalang Regency through cooperation between local government and academia.