Semarang (November 10, 2025) — Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) held a flag ceremony to commemorate Heroes Day 2025 at the Widya Puraya Field, UNDIP Tembalang Campus. The solemn ceremony, held on Monday, November 10, 2025, adopted the national theme “My Hero, My Role Model: Keep Moving Forward to Continue the Struggle.” University leaders and the entire academic community of UNDIP attended it.
Acting as the ceremonial inspector, UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., read the official message from the Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Drs. K.H. Saifullah Yusuf, S.I.P., reminded that independence did not come easily, but was achieved through patience, courage, honesty, unity, and sincerity. “Today, our struggle no longer involves bamboo spears, but knowledge, empathy, and service. Yet the spirit remains the same — to defend the weak, fight for justice, and ensure that no citizen is left behind in the tide of progress,” stated the message.
“Just as our heroes gave everything for Indonesia, it is now our turn to ensure that the flame of their struggle never dies — through work, action, and impact,” the Minister concluded.
On this occasion, Prof. Suharnomo also expressed appreciation for UNDIP’s latest achievement in the QS Asia University Rankings, which placed the university at 106th in Asia and 25th in Southeast Asia, marking a 28-rank increase from the previous year. The Rector emphasized that this achievement was not merely about ranking, but proof that the dedication, intelligence, and sincerity of UNDIP’s academic community continue to advance the university toward greater dignity and impact.
“Ranking is not the ultimate goal. Our goal is to educate students to become independent individuals — ready to work, create their own enterprises, and contribute to society. However, rankings remain important as a measure of UNDIP’s position among other universities,” he stated.
The Rector also highlighted the increasing achievements of UNDIP students over time. One notable milestone was UNDIP’s victory as First Place Winner in the national Satria Data Big Data Challenge under the auspices of Diktisaintek. This accomplishment demonstrates the strong synergy among lecturers, education staff, and students in building a superior, adaptive, and competitive learning ecosystem.
Prof. Suharnomo expressed hope that such achievements will continue to strengthen a healthy and fulfilling academic culture, serving as evidence that the university’s internal processes are consistently evolving for the better. With a spirit of collaboration, integrity, and service, the Rector urged the academic community to maintain and enhance the quality of their work, ensuring UNDIP’s sustainability as a noble and valuable university.
As part of the ceremony, messages from Indonesia’s National Heroes were also read — filled with timeless wisdom and inspiration. Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo stated, “Resistance that is not born of a free mind is merely an outburst of emotion, not a struggle.” Nyi Ageng Serang reminded that physical weakness is no reason to surrender, for the strength of spirit can be sharper than a keris (traditional dagger). Sutan Sjahrir emphasized freedom of thought as the first form of independence. Raden Dewi Sartika instilled in women the spirit of education as a cornerstone of national strength. H.O.S. Tjokroaminoto taught that a true leader guides, not merely commands. Ki Bagus Hadikusumo reminded that freedom is a sacred trust from God that must be preserved through faith and knowledge.
Through this commemoration, UNDIP reaffirms its role as a higher education institution dedicated to nurturing future generations who are not only intellectually capable but also grounded in national values and social responsibility. With the spirit of “Keep Moving Forward to Continue the Struggle,” UNDIP remains committed to advancing and delivering the broadest possible benefit for the nation. (Public Communication/UNDIP/DHW & Nabila; Ed. Nurul)
