UNDIP, Semarang (13/2) – The Department of Politics and Government, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), organized a book review event titled “Technocratic Politics: Victory Beyond Intersectionality in Elections” at the FIMENA Auditorium, Building A, 3rd Floor, FISIP UNDIP. The event reflects FISIP UNDIP’s commitment to promoting productive academic traditions relevant to contemporary political dynamics. The book is written by Muhammad Fikar and was developed from his undergraduate thesis under the supervision of Dr. Phil. Wahid Abdulrahman, Dr. Kushandajani, and Jihan Marsya.
The event series began with a welcoming session for guests at the FISIP UNDIP Lobby, featuring the exhibition of “UNDIP Technology Innovation Products.” The session was attended by the Rector of Universitas Diponegoro, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., the Director of Innovation and Cooperation of UNDIP, drh. Dian Wahyu Harjanti, Ph.D., accompanied by the Dean of FISIP UNDIP, the Head of the Department of Politics and Government FISIP UNDIP, and the entire leadership team. Also present were the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine UNDIP, Prof. Dr. dr. Yan Wisnu Prajoko, M.Kes., Sp.B., Subsp.Onk(K), and the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities UNDIP, Prof. Dr. Alamsyah, S.S., M.Hum.
The event was officially opened by the Dean of FISIP UNDIP, Dr. Drs. Teguh Yuwono, M.Pol.Admin., who emphasized the importance of students’ scholarly works in enriching national political discourse. He stated that FISIP UNDIP continuously encourages students to produce works that not only meet academic standards but also have social and political relevance. “This book demonstrates that students’ academic studies can transform into intellectual works that contribute significantly to understanding political practices in Indonesia,” said Dr. Teguh Yuwono.
The main book review session featured several national speakers and academics, including:
- Amelia Anggraini, Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives/People’s Consultative Assembly (DPR/MPR RI), as the keynote presenter who examined the book’s ideas, particularly the phenomenon of technocratic politics in electoral dynamics.
- Dr. Lestari Moerdijat, Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), provided reflections and projections on political practices and representation in the national context.
- Sugeng Suparwoto, M.T., Deputy Chair of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), presented perspectives on the relationship between technocracy, public policy, and political contestation.
- Dr. Nur Hidayat Sardini, Chair of DPIP FISIP UNDIP, provided an academic-political analysis of the book’s conceptual framework.
Dr. Phil. Wahid Abdulrahman moderated the discussion. During the forum, speakers highlighted that electoral victory is not determined solely by identity factors or intersectionality, but also by technocratic capacity, competence, and political strategies that adapt to social change.
The event also served as a platform for dialogue among academics, political practitioners, and students to deepen their understanding of electoral political transformation in Indonesia. Participants’ enthusiasm was evident during the interactive response and analysis session with guests. Through this activity, FISIP UNDIP reaffirmed its role as a center for knowledge production and dissemination, as well as a bridge between the academic world and practical politics. (Public Communication/FISIP/Rif’at)