UNDIP, Semarang (20/2) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) achieved a proud milestone by receiving the Best University in Central Java award at the 2026 Central Java Collaborative Award.
The award was presented by the Central Java Provincial Government during the 2026 Collaborative Award ceremony held at Gradhika Bhakti Praja, Semarang, on Friday, January 20, 2026, coinciding with the first anniversary of the Central Java Governor–Vice Governor administration, Ahmad Luthfi and Taj Yasin. The award was received directly by the Vice Rector IV for Research, Collaboration, Innovation, and Public Communication of UNDIP, Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D., accompanied by the Director of Innovation and Cooperation, drh. Dian Wahyu Harjanti, Ph.D.
UNDIP was recognized for its consistent delivery of collaborative programs that directly impact regional development, ranging from the implementation of innovative technologies to the provision of clean water through desalination technology, healthcare service partnerships, waste management initiatives, the empowerment of farmers and livestock breeders, community service programs, support for MSMEs, and assistance to villages.
The Rector of Universitas Diponegoro, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., expressed appreciation for the synergy built between UNDIP and the Central Java Provincial Government. “Collaboration is the primary lifeblood of higher education today. UNDIP is committed to ensuring that research and innovation do not stop at academic journals, but are implemented to provide real solutions for society. We have worked together on many initiatives, from providing clean water in Central Java through desalination technology to flood mitigation efforts along the northern coastal region, and more,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Vice Rector IV, Wijayanto, Ph.D., emphasized that the award recognizes UNDIP’s tangible efforts to integrate research, innovation, and strategic collaboration to advance Central Java. “This award is an appreciation of UNDIP’s real work in bringing science closer to society, especially the people of Central Java, as reflected in our tagline, Noble and Valuable UNDIP,” he said.
According to him, collaboration between universities and regional governments is a key element in strengthening science- and innovation-based development. UNDIP consistently promotes synergy among research, community service, downstream innovation, and public communication as part of its concrete contribution to regional development.
The Director of Innovation and Cooperation of UNDIP, drh. Dian Wahyu Harjanti, Ph.D., added, “In the future, UNDIP will continue expanding its cooperation networks and encouraging collaborative innovations with broad impact, in line with the university’s vision as a center of excellence in education and research with global competitiveness. UNDIP remains committed to supporting strategic programs and development in Central Java Province.”
During the event, the Central Java Provincial Government also presented awards to six regencies/cities and other universities in Central Java, recognized for their active synergy in promoting regional development.
This award further strengthens UNDIP’s position as a university that excels not only academically and in research, but also plays an active role in building a collaborative ecosystem for the progress and welfare of the people of Central Java. With this spirit, UNDIP continues to move forward and contribute as a university that is both noble and valuable. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Nurul)