UNDIP, Semarang (October 15, 2025) – Today marks the 68th anniversary of Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP). This period signifies UNDIP’s maturity as a World-Class University (WCU) and its steady progress toward securing a position among the world’s top 500 universities in the QS Rankings. All resources have been optimized, with a focus on strong internal and external synergy and collaboration. For individuals, the age of 68 might be considered old. Still, for Universitas Diponegoro, this is a time to advance further, excel, and serve the nation and society as a distinguished and reputable institution. As a multicultural and plural university, UNDIP consistently values and manages cultural diversity both within the campus and the wider community.
Under the leadership of Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., UNDIP continues to demonstrate remarkable transformation—not only in academics and research but also in reinforcing the role of culture as a foundation for national progress through its tagline “Noble and Valuable UNDIP.” This tagline reflects a cultural spirit that positions education as an investment in the future and the civilization of the nation.
The Rector emphasized that culture is an integral part of the university’s vision—serving as its identity, a driver of social change, a distinguishing institutional characteristic, and a shaper of the character of the UNDIP academic community.
Dean of the UNDIP’s Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Dr. Alamsyah, M.Hum., stated that the current leadership brings a renewed spirit to the university—integrating humanistic values into the development of a modern, world-class, yet grounded university.
“He is not only building UNDIP in terms of infrastructure and academic reputation but also in values and meaning. That is what makes UNDIP not just excellent, but also full of character,” said Prof. Alamsyah.
Culture as the Soul of the University
According to Prof. Alamsyah, the UNDIP Rector’s policy of positioning culture and humanity as inseparable elements of campus life is crucial, as universities should not only produce intellectually intelligent graduates but also individuals of strong character, rooted in the nation’s identity.
“FIB UNDIP feels greatly supported in continuing to be the cultural heartbeat of the university. Through arts, literature, and cultural research activities, we experience full support from the Rector, who understands the importance of balance between science and the humanities,” he said.
In various forums, the Rector has often stressed the importance of making the campus a place for the dialectics of ideas—an open space for ideological, political, social, and cultural discussions within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia—serving as both an oasis and the last bastion of national intellectual pride. To strengthen UNDIP’s Faculty of Humanities as a “cultural campus,” the faculty must continue to embrace, preserve, and develop culture. This effort means that culture is not merely the concern of the Faculty of Humanities but part of UNDIP’s broader institutional strategy.
The Rector’s Vision: UNDIP as a “Driving Civilization”
In recent years, various cultural events have been organized by the Faculty of Humanities with full support from university leadership. The Rector himself has actively participated by presenting cultural reflections and even performing in traditional ketoprak theater. This spirit aligns with the faculty’s mission to bring cultural events to life.
Through cultural orations, exhibitions, performances, and intellectual discourse, FIB seeks to affirm itself as a center of culture—a vision made possible through the attention and support of UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, M.Si. The Rector believes that as a university rooted in society, UNDIP has a moral and historical responsibility to preserve, study, and promote local and national cultures. This responsibility, he asserts, does not rest solely with cultural or arts faculties but extends across all disciplines—bridging modern science with the nation’s cultural roots.
On various occasions, the UNDIP Rector invites the academic community to make this campus a house of culture, not just a house of knowledge.
He stated, “We want students to graduate not only with professional competence, but also with a cultural spirit, a sense of pride in their roots, and the ability to navigate global change without losing their identity. We hope that UNDIP can become a guardian, actor, and driver of progressive culture—one that adheres to its roots and advances with the times.”
In his remarks during the opening of the art exhibition at the 2025 Anniversary Celebration of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Suharnomo stated, “Culture is the driving civilization of a nation. By upholding Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, UNDIP’s Faculty of Humanities becomes a distinctive force amid global trends. Culture is not merely an aesthetic or passive inheritance—it is an active strength that shapes civilization and national identity.”
All these initiatives, according to Prof. Alamsyah, demonstrate how the Rector’s leadership has fostered a campus environment that welcomes and celebrates art and culture.
“He views culture not as an accessory but as the moral and spiritual foundation of the university. This reflects a visionary perspective—knowledge without culture is empty, and culture without knowledge is directionless,” said the Dean of UNDIP’s Faculty of Humanities.
Appreciation and Hope
Prof. Alamsyah expressed his deep appreciation for the Rector’s humanistic, open, and communicative leadership style. For UNDIP’s Faculty of Humanities, leadership that is close to the academic community and supportive of creativity serves as a tremendous source of energy for growth.
“On behalf of the entire Faculty of Humanities family, we extend our deepest respect and gratitude to the Rector of UNDIP. He is not only an academic leader but also a true cultural driver,” he said.
He added that under the leadership of Prof. Suharnomo, UNDIP will continue to thrive as a globally excellent, intellectually strong, and culturally grounded university.
“UNDIP grows not only through innovation and technology but also through the cultural spirit that unites us all. This is a university that is noble, valuable, and deeply rooted in culture,” concluded Prof. Alamsyah.
Happy 68th Anniversary, Universitas Diponegoro — to you, we dedicate our devotion and service. (Public Communication/UNDIP/FIB)