UNDIP, Semarang (27/7) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) had the honor of welcoming the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Brian Yuliarto, Ph.D., on an official working visit on Monday, July 27, 2026. The meeting took place in the Rector’s Meeting Room on the second floor of the Widya Puraya Building at UNDIP’s Tembalang Campus.
Before attending the official agenda, Prof. Brian joined the congregational dawn prayer and delivered a Subuh (Dawn) Lecture at the UNDIP Campus Mosque. He and his delegation were welcomed by UNDIP Rector, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., along with the university’s leadership. Beginning the visit before sunrise symbolized the integration of spiritual values with scientific excellence and innovation in advancing the nation.
Universities Must Become the Center of Gravity and Lighthouse of National Progress
In his opening remarks, Minister Brian Yuliarto expressed his appreciation for UNDIP’s rapid development. He emphasized that Indonesia’s journey toward becoming a developed nation requires resilience and collective effort, with universities playing a pivotal role as engines of civilization.
“Alhamdulillah, I am grateful for the opportunity to visit UNDIP. As a nation progressing toward advanced development, challenges and limitations are inevitable—just as they were for today’s developed countries during their own formative years. This is where universities must serve as both the center of gravity and a beacon of progress—places where innovation, forward-thinking ideas, and practical solutions are created to deliver tangible benefits for society, the nation, and industry,” said Prof. Brian.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of cultivating a supportive internal academic ecosystem. He encouraged faculty members to collaborate to make their best contributions while urging university leaders to streamline administrative services and accelerate academic promotion processes for lecturers.
On another note, equitable access to higher education for all segments of society remains one of the ministry’s top priorities. “Student development and equal access to higher education must continue to be strengthened. Out of approximately 380,000 applicants for the Indonesia Smart College Card (KIP Kuliah), more than 80,000 students have been admitted to public universities. This demonstrates our shared commitment to ensuring that no young Indonesian is prevented from pursuing higher education due to economic hardship,” he affirmed.
According to the Minister, universities must be supported by robust data systems, responsive student assistance mechanisms, and strong networks capable of reaching students who require financial and academic support.
Prof. Brian also praised UNDIP for producing practical innovations that address real societal challenges.
“Let us work together to respond to the challenges of our time. I greatly appreciate UNDIP’s concrete breakthroughs, ranging from clean water treatment technologies to integrated waste management systems. The experience of many successful countries shows that national progress is directly proportional to the productivity of their universities in generating solutions for society. Continue applying UNDIP’s outstanding innovations for the greater public good,” he said.
Rector Prof. Suharnomo welcomed the Minister’s remarks and described the visit as an important source of motivation for UNDIP to further enhance its contributions to society.
“We sincerely appreciate the Minister’s visit to UNDIP. This visit provides us with renewed motivation to continue improving and strengthening the university’s contributions. This morning, we will also invite Prof. Brian to visit UNDIP’s Integrated Waste Processing Facility (TPST) as part of our commitment to environmental sustainability. Today, UNDIP no longer sends waste to the Semarang City landfill,” he explained.
According to Prof. Suharnomo, creating meaningful social impact has become a fundamental commitment shared by the entire UNDIP academic community in carrying out the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. “UNDIP is fully committed to delivering tangible benefits to society. Our research outcomes—including waste recycling technologies, water treatment systems for communities facing clean water shortages, and ozone-based water treatment technologies for agriculture—reflect the university’s commitment to addressing national challenges,” he said.
Beyond research and environmental innovation, UNDIP continues to strengthen its infrastructure development. The university currently operates two main campuses: Tembalang and Pleburan.
“At our Pleburan Campus, we recently inaugurated the 14-story Twin Tower 1 and will soon begin constructing Twin Tower 2, which will feature a modern coworking space,” the Rector added.
UNDIP also remains committed to ensuring that no student is forced to discontinue their education because of financial constraints. “We continue expanding access to higher education. Every year, more than 3,000 students receive tuition fee adjustments (UKT). Around 20 percent of our students are recipients of the KIP Kuliah scholarship, and we also provide full scholarships through our partnership with PT Bayan Resources Tbk for the Undergraduate Agribusiness Program at the Batang Campus and the Undergraduate Fisheries and Marine Business Technology Program at the Jepara Campus,” he stated.
Prof. Suharnomo concluded by emphasizing that these major initiatives would not have been possible without the strong support of UNDIP alumni and partner communities, including the Diponegoro Golf Community (DGC) and other stakeholders. Through this meeting, UNDIP reaffirmed its commitment to actively supporting national policies in higher education, science, and technology. The collaboration fostered during the Minister’s visit is expected to encourage new initiatives that generate broad and lasting benefits for society. (Public Communication/UNDIP/DHW)