UNDIP, Semarang (October 30, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) held a Spiritual Development event themed “Synergy of Spirituality and Intellectuality in Shaping Noble and Beneficial Individuals” on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at UNDIP’s Muladi Dome. The event featured a keynote address from the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu’ti, M.Ed. Through this activity, UNDIP invited all members of its academic community to strengthen faith and belief grounded in both knowledge and spirituality.
Also present were UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si.; Chair of UNDIP Academic Senate for the 2025–2030 period, Prof. Ir. Tri Winarni Agustini, M.Sc., Ph.D.; Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang (UNIMUS), Prof. Dr. H. Masrukhi, M.Pd.; Head of the Language Development and Fostering Agency of the Ministry of Education, Hafidz Muksin, S.Sos., M.Si.; deans of faculties/schools at UNDIP, as well as invited lecturers, staff, and students.
UNDIP Rector Prof. Suharnomo stated that this Spiritual Development activity was part of UNDIP’s 68th Anniversary series, following the Ketoprak traditional theater performance held the day before, on Wednesday (29/10). “This activity is UNDIP’s responsibility toward the nation’s youth to help shape individuals of noble character,” he remarked in his opening speech.
Prof. Suharnomo went on to outline UNDIP’s ongoing efforts to advance as a leading university in Jawa Tengah and Indonesia, on its path toward becoming a World-Class University. “We have collaborated with many universities and institutions, both nationally and internationally. Recently, UNDIP partnered with Harvard Medical School (US) and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM, UK) to address poverty, maternal mortality, and stunting. We also collaborate with UNIMUS and Erasmus+ to enhance higher education capacity,” he explained.
In Jawa Tengah, UNDIP is conducting research on the effects of heavy metals on fish in the northern coastal region and has developed innovative desalination machines already deployed in various local areas. “In line with our tagline ‘Noble and Valuable UNDIP’, our university is deeply committed to managing education academically and ensuring our innovations serve society,” he said.
The Rector added, “It is a calling for us to prepare students as qualified job seekers or entrepreneurs. Let us pray together that we are granted the strength to uphold our mission in educating the nation’s youth.”
Opening his sermon, Minister Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu’ti, M.Ed., encouraged everyone present at the Muladi Dome to remain grateful for all blessings, excellent health. This event marked his second visit to UNDIP, which he described as a representative and inspiring campus. His previous visit was in March 2025, when he spoke at an event commemorating Nuzulul Qur’an and Education at the UNDIP Campus Mosque.
Speaking on the concept of sustenance (rizq), Prof. Abdul Mu’ti emphasized that every source of sustenance—big or small, expected or unexpected—should be met with gratitude. True blessing, he said, lies not in quantity but in benefit. “We should focus on spiritual fulfillment. Straighten your intention to remain steadfast, work to advance knowledge and capability with dedication,” he advised.
Shifting focus to deep comprehension, the Ministry introduced the “Deep Learning Policy”, an educational approach that emphasizes mastering essential concepts through three core pillars: mindful learning (learning with awareness), meaningful learning (knowledge that is relevant and impactful), and joyful learning (learning with enjoyment). This policy will be gradually implemented in primary and secondary education, starting in the 2025/2026 academic year.
Quoting Robert Kiyosaki’s book, Why ‘A’ Students Work for ‘C’ Students, Prof. Abdul Mu’ti explained that academic excellence alone does not guarantee success, as many academically strong graduates end up working for those who are not academically inclined. “Everything happens for a reason,” he noted, stressing the importance of developing soft skills. According to the World Economic Forum, individuals must strengthen 21st-century competencies—critical thinking, communication, creativity, and collaboration.
However, Prof. Abdul Mu’ti reminded us that in all learning processes, we must always choose the path of virtue. “As stated in the Qur’an, Surah Al-Isra’ verse 70, Allah has honored the children of Adam on land and sea. Likewise, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that removing harm from the road is an act of charity. Small deeds we overlook may hold great value—such as doing good and smiling at others,” he concluded.
The Spiritual Development event was held solemnly and was filled with new insights. It featured Qur’an recitations and tilawah of Surah Ali ‘Imran (verses 102–103) and Surah Al-Mujadilah (verse 11) by Azahra Luthfiana Fauzia (FISIP student, 3rd Place Winner in Tilawah Rebana Festival and Religious Arts Qur’an Recitation V, National Level 2025) and Ike Wahyuningsih (FKM student, 3rd Place Winner in Qur’anic Speech, National Islamic Arts Festival 2025). The event also included sholawat performances by Majelis Sholawat Nurul Ilmi (MSNI) of UNDIP’s Dharma Wanita Persatuan and the student organization UKM Ready. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Titis)
