UNDIP, Semarang (June 25, 2025) – A warm and open atmosphere filled the first floor of the SA-MWA Building at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) Tembalang Campus during the “Duduk Bareng Rektor 2025″ event, themed “A Day with Father,” on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Initiated by the 2025 UNDIP Student Executive Board (BEM) – Cabinet of Garda Restorasi, in collaboration with the Department of Campus Harmonization and the Student Senate, the event provided a platform for open dialogue between students and the university’s top leadership.
The event offered students from various faculties and study programs a valuable opportunity to engage directly with university leaders. Far from being a rigid formal event, it created an empathetic and equal setting where students could engage in meaningful conversations with the Vice-Rectors, Deans, Directors, and Heads of university departments and units.
UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., opened the dialogue session and praised the students’ critical spirit in expressing their aspirations. He encouraged the culture of open dialogue to extend beyond the university level to faculties, departments, and study programs.
“I hope there’s no bottleneck or breakdown in communication. When students voice suggestions, it shows their love for the university and their desire to see it grow,” he stated.
On the occasion, the Rector also highlighted UNDIP’s impressive leap of 101 positions in the QS World University Rankings (QS WUR) 2026, now standing at 624th globally. “This is the result of the entire campus community’s hard work. Hopefully, next year, we’ll break into the top 500. UNDIP is also entrusted by the Ministry, which isn’t just an institutional mandate—it’s a matter of national dignity. We strive to uphold Indonesia’s reputation to the highest standards,” he said.
UNDIP is also accelerating physical development to support its global standing, including the construction of the Twin Towers in Pleburan, a 21-story tower in Tembalang, new Faculty of Engineering buildings, improved campus entrances, a second jogging track, expanded laboratories, and the revitalization of parallel campuses such as Jepara and Batang campuses.
BEM UNDIP 2025 President Aufa Atha Ariq Aoraqi expressed hope that the forum would serve as a bridge between students and the rectorate to address current issues so that feedback and criticisms could lead to tangible improvements and the realization of a dignified and impactful UNDIP. Similarly, UNDIP Student Senate President Zahra Aurellia Wibowo saw the forum as a concrete step toward a more inclusive and responsive university.
Moderated by Chairunnisa Zalsabila, the discussion session touched on real student concerns, including academic issues, campus facilities, and student welfare. University leaders responded actively and collaboratively with a commitment to concrete actions.
Critical topics raised included grade transparency, the implementation of short semesters, and the availability of professional lecturers at the Faculty of Medicine. UNDIP pledged to address the shortage of supervising physicians by recruiting more teaching staff and enforcing stricter attendance monitoring.
Students from the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) highlighted the need for standardized program implementation, improved classroom quality, and lecturer training. These inputs were met with a commitment to gradual improvements. Issues related to limited lab access and classroom bookings will be addressed through a reassessment of needs and the construction of more equitable facilities.
The Rector also clarified that the Soedarto Building is available for unrestricted use, provided no external sponsors are involved. UNDIP plans to optimize open study spaces and address concerns about accessibility for students with disabilities by enhancing inclusive infrastructure policies.
Regarding the university’s parallel campuses (PSDKU) in Jepara, Batang, and Rembang regencies, the UNDIP leadership is committed to equitable resource distribution, increasing the number of permanent lecturers, and promoting internationalization through initiatives such as internships in Japan.
Tuition (UKT) and GenBI scholarship issues were also addressed. The Rector stated that tuition payments would be temporarily postponed for affected students, and efforts would be made to secure support from other scholarship partners.
On thematic community service (KKN-T), students raised concerns about fee collection, inconsistent scheduling, and faculty participation. The administration responded with plans for a comprehensive evaluation to ensure KKN is more transparent and well-organized.
The discussion also addressed the need for campus digitalization, including the optimization of the SIAP application for iOS users, as well as the strengthening of regulations to prevent sexual violence. UNDIP affirmed its commitment to involve students in updating rectoral regulations and reinforcing the PPKS task force as part of the prevention and monitoring mechanism.
The event concluded with the signing of an integrity pact by student representatives from all faculties and schools, symbolizing a shared commitment between students and university leadership to build a more humane, resilient, and globally competitive UNDIP.
Duduk Bareng Rektor is more than a ceremonial event—it’s a platform for reflection and joint effort to make the campus an inclusive, safe, and future-oriented space for Indonesia’s next generation. (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ DHW)
