UNDIP, Semarang (September 12, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) continues to strengthen its role as a strategic partner for local governments in supporting development through research, innovation, and community service. On Thursday, September 11, 2025, UNDIP welcomed Cilacap Regency officials for an audience and cooperation discussion at the Rectorate Meeting Room, Widya Puraya Building, Tembalang Campus.
Present at the meeting were UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., and Cilacap Regent Dr. Syamsul Auliya Rachman, S.STP., M.Si., along with senior officials from both institutions. The agenda aimed to enhance synergy between universities and local governments, in line with UNDIP’s vision of “Noble and Valuable UNDIP” and the national Diktisaintek Berdampak program.
In his remarks, Prof. Suharnomo reaffirmed UNDIP’s commitment to open collaboration with regional governments. “This is the right moment for UNDIP, as a university in Jawa Tengah, to bring tangible benefits to society. With the tagline “Noble and Valuable UNDIP,” we are committed to being a strategic partner of the provincial government, whether in addressing stunting, providing brackish water desalination and clean water facilities, developing renewable energy, or supporting cultural tourism initiatives such as the Samin Village in Blora Regency,” he said.
UNDIP Rector further emphasized that research should not remain confined to laboratories. “We encourage our lecturers to produce applied research that directly benefits communities. When faculty engage in the field, students also gain valuable experience—equipping them not only academically but also socially,” he explained.
Prof. Suharnomo concluded by expressing UNDIP’s readiness to become a strategic partner for Cilacap Regency. “The execution can be discussed together. We are ready to review, prepare, and implement programs with the people of Cilacap. Hopefully, this synergy will bring blessings and benefits not only for UNDIP but also for the people of Cilacap Regency and Jawa Tengah,” he said.
Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya expressed his appreciation for UNDIP’s willingness to partner in regional development. He voiced optimism that the meeting marked the beginning of concrete collaboration to realize Cilacap as a prosperous, cultured, fair, and equitable region.
“Cilacap Regency has tremendous potential, from natural resources and culture to local products and strategic areas like Segara Anakan, which holds high ecological and economic value. Yet challenges remain, including local economic management, environmental resilience, human resource competitiveness, and infrastructure equity. We believe collaboration with UNDIP can deliver practical, research-based solutions,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of human resource development and regional innovation. “We see UNDIP not only as a higher education institution, but also as a research and innovation partner. Together, we can implement the Tri Dharma of Higher Education by developing evidence-based policies while preparing a generation of competitive, capable Cilacap youth,” Regent Syamsul said.
The session continued with an interactive discussion moderated by UNDIP Deputy Director for Collaboration, Anggun Puspitarini Siswanto, S.T., Ph.D. Topics included establishing a regional policy laboratory, integrating UNDIP’s community service program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata / KKN) with village development projects, facilitating student internships in the health sector, and strengthening the competencies of Cilacap civil servants through education and thematic internships.
UNDIP leaders, including the Vice Rector for Student Affairs, the Dean of faculties/schools, and related university officials, attended the discussion. From Cilacap Regency, participants included Drs. Budi Santosa, M.Si., Head of the Civil Service and Human Resources Agency (BKPSDM); Ir. Sujito, M.Si., Head of the Regional Development Planning Agency (BAPPEDA); and Indarto, S.Pi., M.Eng., M.Sc., Acting Head of the Health Office, along with officials from the Regional Secretariat.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of souvenirs and a group photo, symbolizing the start of long-term collaboration.
Through this audience, UNDIP and the Cilacap Regency Government reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable cooperation, which will be formalized in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the future. The partnership is expected to generate evidence-based policy recommendations, strengthen human resource capacity, and advance Cilacap’s local potential for the benefit of its people.
With this, UNDIP further solidifies its role as a dignified university upholding academic values, a beneficial institution addressing community needs, and a hub of impactful science and technology innovation. (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ DHW)
