UNDIP, Semarang (7/8) – Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia Andi Amran Sulaiman encouraged 5,155 new students of Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) to build integrity, dare to dream big, and take action to make a meaningful contribution to society. He delivered the message during the UNDIP New Student Admission (PMB) General Lecture for the 2026/2027 Academic Year on Thursday (6/8), which highlighted the importance of Pancasila values and an anti-corruption culture as the foundation for shaping the character of the younger generation.
Minister Amran also encouraged the Diponegoro Muda to view integrity not merely as a concept studied in the classroom. Instead, he said, integrity is reflected in the simple decisions people make every day. He recalled his mother’s advice, which has remained a guiding principle throughout his life: never take something that does not belong to you.
This message provided an entry point for discussing an anti-corruption culture. According to Minister Amran, anyone who will eventually hold public office, manage resources, or exercise authority needs a strong foundation in character. Knowledge and professional skills will lose their meaning if they are not accompanied by honesty and the courage to uphold one’s principles.
“If you lose your character, you lose everything,” he said. He reminded students that their university years are an important period for developing discipline, resilience, and a sense of responsibility. According to him, universities are responsible not only for producing intelligent graduates but also for developing individuals who can be trusted.
Minister Amran then connected the discussion on integrity to his experience in government. He spoke about efforts to address various practices that harm farmers and communities, including issues related to fertilizer and food trade. In his view, an anti-corruption stance must be demonstrated by the courage to act when irregularities are discovered, including when violations occur within one’s own environment.
The general lecture was conducted in a relaxed and interactive atmosphere. Minister Amran engaged directly with students several times, including those who were already working or had started businesses while still in school. He encouraged students to dare to pursue big dreams but not stop at ideas. “Make big dreams. Big dreams, ideas. But that is not enough. Take action. Take action. That is not enough either; you have to be persistent,” he said.
According to Minister Amran, failure is part of the learning process. He shared his life journey, which began amid financial hardship, included working from a young age, and involved years of failures before achieving success. He offered his experience as an example to encourage students not to give up easily and to have the courage to build their independence while in university.
The dialogue then expanded to issues closely connected to people’s everyday lives. Students raised questions and concerns about fertilizer, irrigation, farmer regeneration, crop pests, and food distribution. One student from Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, for example, raised concerns about high rice prices in his region. Amran responded by contacting relevant officials to follow up on the need for food distribution in the area.
Minister Amran also emphasized the role of higher education institutions in transforming agriculture. He noted that the use of drones, modern tractors, and various agricultural technologies has opened up new opportunities for the younger generation. He hopes that students will not merely become technology users but also create innovations that address societal challenges. “The ones who can transform Indonesia are universities,” he said.
On the same occasion, UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., welcomed the new students as they embarked on their academic journey with enthusiasm for learning and the development of strong character. UNDIP encourages Diponegoro Muda to become intelligent, resilient, open-minded individuals capable of handling pressure while remaining grounded in religious values and applicable regulations.
Prof. Suharnomo also encouraged students to become the COMPLETE generation—Communicator, Professional, Leader, Entrepreneur, Thinker, and Educator. Students are expected to pursue knowledge diligently while maintaining a strong commitment to serving society. He also reminded them of the importance of honoring their parents’ trust by studying seriously, achieving excellence, and completing their studies on time.
The General Lecture provided an initial foundation for the Diponegoro Muda before they begin their university life. The messages of integrity, hard work, the courage to innovate, and concern for public issues reaffirm one essential point: higher education is not merely a pathway to earning a degree but a process of shaping individuals who can use knowledge responsibly. This spirit aligns with UNDIP’s commitment to “Noble and Valuable UNDIP” in producing graduates who are not only excellent but also dedicated to creating meaningful benefits for society. (Public Communication/UNDIP/DHW)
