UNDIP, Semarang (20/5) — The commemoration of the 118th National Awakening Day at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) became a momentum to reaffirm the spirit of national self-reliance through innovation and the downstreaming of university research outcomes. During the ceremony held at Widya Puraya Field, UNDIP Tembalang Campus, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., delivered a speech emphasizing the important role of universities as sources of optimism and solutions for various national challenges.
In his remarks, which referred to the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia’s speech, Prof. Suharnomo highlighted that this year’s National Awakening Day theme, “Protect the Nation’s Future for State Sovereignty,” is highly relevant to current challenges. While the nation’s struggles in the past focused on territorial sovereignty, today’s challenges have shifted toward information sovereignty, digital transformation, and the nation’s ability to achieve independence in science and technology mastery.
According to the Rector, the spirit of national awakening should not merely be commemorated ceremonially, but must be realized through tangible works that benefit society. He emphasized that universities play a strategic role in fostering national optimism through innovations that address industrial and societal needs.
“We want this campus to inspire optimism for this nation. We want our social media platforms to be filled with optimism as the children of this nation,” said Prof. Suharnomo.
One concrete example highlighted was the research collaboration between UNDIP and PT Symmex Medical Indonesia to develop bone-scaffold substitute products made from green mussel-based materials. This collaboration, involving researchers from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Engineering, aims to produce high-quality healthcare products that Indonesia still largely imports, at an estimated cost one-third that of similar imported products.
“If this succeeds, we will have a role model. This idea is an example of optimism that can grow on campus—that this nation is great, and optimism begins from small things, from simple questions such as: ‘Why can’t we make it ourselves?'” he stated.
In addition to the bone scaffold product, Prof. Suharnomo explained that by the end of 2026, UNDIP aims to have at least four campus innovation products enter the market, including water treatment technology and other research-based products. According to him, this achievement is expected to become concrete proof that universities can contribute to strengthening national industries while reducing dependence on imported products.
The Rector also encouraged lecturers, educational staff, and students to continue developing knowledge and innovations that directly impact society. With 135 professors at UNDIP and its achievement as the university with the highest number of simple patents in Indonesia, the Rector expressed confidence that UNDIP has enormous potential to produce more beneficial innovations. “Even if we pessimistically assume that only 10 percent of our 135 professors produce works that truly benefit scientific development and society, that alone would already be something extraordinary,” he remarked.
On the same occasion, Prof. Suharnomo also announced that UNDIP has officially been appointed as the host of the 39th National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS). According to him, this trust reflects recognition of UNDIP’s capacity not only as an organizer of national events, but also as a campus that consistently encourages student achievement and innovation at the national level. Closing his speech, Prof. Suharnomo emphasized that the true meaning of national awakening for the UNDIP academic community lies in the courage to address national challenges through education, research, and innovation. With this spirit, UNDIP remains committed to becoming a dignified and beneficial university that contributes meaningfully toward a more independent and globally competitive Indonesia. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Hng)