UNDIP, Semarang (August 26, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, held an Academic Senate Open Session featuring the Purna Adi Cendekia Ceremony at the Prof. Soedarto, S.H. Building, Tembalang Campus. The solemn event paid tribute to the service and dedication of three retiring professors: Prof. Dr. Drs. Iriyanto Widisuseno, M.Hum. (Faculty of Humanities); Prof. Dr. dr. Hardhono Susanto, PAK. (Faculty of Medicine); and Prof. Dr. Ir. Endang Dwi Purbayanti, M.S. (Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences).
The ceremony, filled with emotion and appreciation, was attended by the Rector, the Chair of the Academic Senate, the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Vice-Rectors, the Board of Professors, Deans of faculties and schools, and other university leaders.
The Chair of the Academic Senate, Prof. Ir. Edy Rianto, M.Sc., Ph.D., I.P.U., said the honor reflected academic affection and the university’s highest respect. “We thank the professors for their immense contributions to education, science and technology, and the development of Indonesian society. Thank you for guiding us, your juniors, along the long and quiet path of research,” he said.
UNDIP Rector, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., expressed the university’s highest appreciation, noting that the retiring professors had left a legacy of dedication, integrity, and knowledge. “Every person has their era, and every era has its figure. New generations grow while seniors may step aside, yet their presence never fades. Their wisdom continues to be a blessing for us all,” he said.
Prof. Suharnomo also reaffirmed UNDIP’s commitment to becoming a World Class University (WCU). Currently ranked 624th globally, the university is accelerating research and international publications to break into the top 500. While rankings are not the sole measure of quality, he said, they remain a key public benchmark for higher education.
Closing his remarks, he said the Purna Adi Cendekia was not an end, but a milestone in service. “UNDIP stands tall on the foundations built by senior academics. Their work and example are invaluable legacies. On behalf of the university, I extend our deepest gratitude and respect,” Prof. Suharnomo said.
Scientific Orations by Retiring Professors
Prof. Dr. Drs. Iriyanto Widisuseno, M.Hum., an expert in Philosophy of Science, discussed artificial intelligence and the future of humanity. “AI can process data with extraordinary speed and accuracy, but it cannot replace human empathy, creativity, intuition, and wisdom. It is not a threat but a partner that can enrich the way we work, learn, and interact,” he said.
He urged that the future should be seen as a collaboration, not a rivalry, between humans and technology. “Universities must serve as drivers by preparing generations that are skilled, ethical, and wise in using technology. Only then can AI truly serve the common good and support a dignified human future,” he added.
Prof. Dr. dr. Hardhono Susanto, PAK., a Medical Anatomy Specialist, warned of the health risks of modern sedentary lifestyles (sitting disease), calling it a “silent pandemic” that leads to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. He emphasized that proper health is not just a matter of genetics, but the result of daily discipline.
“Movement is medicine,” Prof. Dr. dr. Hardhono said, encouraging young people and professionals alike to integrate physical activity into their routines, from taking short walks every 20 minutes to choosing stairs over elevators. He urged that healthy living be practiced as a foundation for a meaningful life, not just a slogan.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Endang Dwi Purbayanti, M.S., an agronomy expert, highlighted urban farming as a sustainable solution for food production. “Urban farming is not just about growing food in cities, but about improving quality of life, ensuring healthy food, creating green spaces, and opening new business opportunities. With limited land, innovations such as vertical farming, hydroponics, and aquaponics are key,” she said.
She emphasized that the benefits extend beyond food production, providing jobs, boosting incomes, and strengthening local food security while revitalizing the environment. “Urban farming is not a trend, but a concrete step toward healthier, more productive, and noble cities,” she concluded.
The ceremony closed with the Rector and Chair of the Academic Senate presenting plaques of honor as attendees stood to sing “Bagimu Negeri.”
The first day of Purna Adi Cendekia underscored the message that an academic’s service never truly ends. The knowledge, research, and example left by the retiring professors will continue to shape UNDIP’s mission to nurture generations of integrity and global competitiveness. (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ DHW; ed. Nurul H)
