UNDIP, Semarang (October 18, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) commemorated the culmination of its 68th Anniversary celebrations on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Muladi Dome Hall, Tembalang Campus. Carrying the theme “Innovation for the Nation: When Innovation Meets Impact,” the celebration served as a reflective moment reaffirming UNDIP’s spirit of Noble and Valuable—presenting innovation that is meaningful and impactful for the nation. Through this momentum, UNDIP reiterated its commitment to supporting the national “Diktisaintek Berdampak” program and contributing to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On this occasion, Prof. Joga Dharma Setiawan, B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., Professor of Mechanical Engineering at UNDIP’s Faculty of Engineering and currently President Director of PT LEN Industri (Persero), delivered a scientific oration titled “Innovation Collaboration for the Competitive Advantage of Indonesia’s Defense Industry.” His address inspired UNDIP’s academic community to continuously connect research and innovation with tangible national impact—affirming that knowledge must serve as a force to strengthen Indonesia’s independence, competitiveness, and sovereignty.
In his remarks, Prof. Joga expressed appreciation to UNDIP Rector Prof. Suharnomo for his unwavering support and trust since Prof. Joga assumed leadership of PT LEN Industri. He noted that collaborative and impact-oriented leadership is the cornerstone for universities in producing innovations relevant to national progress. “I extend my gratitude to Prof. Suharnomo for his exceptional support. UNDIP’s spirit of innovation is a clear example of how universities can become the driving engine of national advancement,” he said.
In his oration, Prof. Joga outlined the strategic role of PT LEN Industri (Persero), now the parent company of Defend ID (Defence Industry Indonesia)—a state-owned defense industry holding established under Government Regulation No. 5 of 2022. The holding encompasses five key entities: PT LEN Industri, PT Pindad, PT Dahana, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, and PT PAL Indonesia, which collectively form the backbone of Indonesia’s national defense industry. With a vision to become an advanced, strong, independent, and globally competitive defense industry, Defend ID is determined to position Indonesia among the world’s top 50 defense companies by 2027, rising from its current rank of 74th.
Quoting the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Joga reminded that in today’s geopolitical dynamics, power often determines truth in international relations. Therefore, a sovereign nation must possess a robust and self-reliant defense industry. “Through Defend ID, Indonesia is striving to build sovereignty and independence in a globally competitive defense industry,” he emphasized.
In this context, Prof. Joga underlined the importance of creating a synergistic ecosystem of research and innovation that bridges universities, industry, and government. He highlighted the pivotal role of universities like UNDIP in strengthening strategic research in defense and intelligent technologies. Collaboration between PT LEN Industri and UNDIP has already materialized through joint research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), command & control systems, remote sensing, defense satellite systems, and robotic technologies. Support from UNDIP researchers, such as Prof. Anin and Dr. Helmi, as advisors for high-resolution satellite image processing, further strengthens Indonesia’s domestic, data-based defense systems. Meanwhile, Dr. Eng. Adi Wibowo, S.Si., M.Kom., Vice Dean II of the Faculty of Science and Mathematics, collaborates in developing AI-based defense and national surveillance systems.
Prof. Joga also presented a strategic initiative—the establishment of the Defend ID Innovation Park, a collaborative research hub being developed between the cities of Bandung and Jakarta. The facility is designed as a space for researchers, academics, and industry practitioners to collaborate in research, technology downstreaming, and the creation of competitive defense products. “We are opening broad opportunities for UNDIP lecturers and students to participate in research and internships at Defend ID. This opportunity is the time for academia and industry to advance together toward national technological independence,” he stated.
To enhance competitiveness, Defend ID has adopted the Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) approach and a performance governance framework to integrate data systems, research, finance, and technology transfer. This approach forms a crucial part of the transformation toward the Defense 5.0 era, where military strength relies not only on conventional weaponry but also on advanced electronics, artificial intelligence, and mastery of digital technology. Prof. Joga emphasized that cross-disciplinary collaboration and the adoption of cutting-edge innovation are imperative for Indonesia to become not just a user, but a producer of sovereign defense technology.
Beyond technological innovation, Prof. Joga stressed the need for developing high-quality and adaptive human resources. Through industrial internship programs and fresh graduate apprenticeships supported by the Ministry of Manpower, Defend ID provides opportunities for young Indonesians to contribute to the national defense sector directly. “We aim to produce more resilient and visionary Indonesian engineers and researchers—including those from UNDIP,” he remarked.
Prof. Joga’s scientific oration not only presented a roadmap for Indonesia’s defense industry but also highlighted the humanitarian and sustainability values within it. Building a strong and independent defense industry aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—fostering impactful innovation, research-based education, and global partnerships for national technological advancement. Thus, the collaboration between UNDIP and Defend ID stands as a concrete example of how science, technology, and human values can merge to build national independence.
Concluding his address, Prof. Joga expressed hope that UNDIP will continue to pioneer national research and innovation excellence.
“The size of its weaponry does not measure the strength of a nation, but by its people’s ability to create solutions. Let us make innovation our moral, intellectual, and strategic power for Indonesia’s progress,” he concluded.
Through this scientific oration, UNDIP reaffirmed its central role as a university that not only produces outstanding graduates but also serves as a strategic partner in national development. The spirit of “Innovation for the Nation” embodied in UNDIP’s 68th Anniversary celebration symbolizes the determination that innovations born from campuses will always carry meaning—innovation meets impact—for a noble, competitive, and sustainable Indonesia. (Public Communication/UNDIP/DHW)
