UNDIP, Semarang (3/9) – Amid the rapid flow of digital information, literacy is no longer limited to the ability to read and write. Students are expected to select credible sources, critically evaluate information, and transform knowledge into something beneficial to the people and communities around them. This spirit characterized the Grand Final of the 2026 Universitas Diponegoro Student Literacy Ambassador Program, themed “Smart in Literacy, Dedicated through Service,” organized by the Directorate of Library, Undip Press, and Archives (DPUPK) on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the First-Floor Lobby of the Directorate of Library, Undip Press, and Archives, UNDIP Tembalang Campus.
The Student Literacy Ambassador Program is part of UNDIP’s efforts to engage students in promoting a culture of reading, writing, critical thinking, and responsible use of information. The ambassadors are also expected to help students gain greater access to the university’s diverse knowledge resources, ranging from print collections and e-resources to international journal databases. In addition to digital literacy skills, they are equipped with communication, leadership, networking, and creative skills to produce educational content.
In his remarks, UNDIP Vice Rector for Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal Affairs, and Organization, Prof. Dr. Adian Fatchur Rochim, S.T., M.T., emphasized that the ability to filter information is becoming increasingly important amid the widespread use of social media. “Literacy is not merely about reading, but also about the ability to understand, process, filter, and use information wisely. In today’s social media era, an extraordinary amount of information is available, and not all of it is beneficial,” he said. He encouraged young people not to become passive users who spend hours scrolling through social media, but rather to identify valuable information and use it productively.
Prof. Adian said the Literacy Ambassadors are expected to serve as role models and drivers of a culture of literacy both on campus and in society. The finalists were encouraged to bring forward creative ideas, concern for others, and a strong commitment to advancing literacy. He also urged all participants to view the competition as an opportunity to learn, exchange experiences, and build networks, rather than pursue the title of champion. “Good luck in the competition, uphold sportsmanship, and make your best contribution to Universitas Diponegoro,” he said.
Director of Library, Undip Press, and Archives, Suwondo, S.Hum., M.Kom., explained that university libraries have evolved from being merely repositories of collections into an important part of the knowledge ecosystem. The challenge today is no longer simply accessing information but also filtering, validating, and critically processing it. Therefore, the Student Literacy Ambassadors are expected to serve as a bridge between the library’s resources and students, while also becoming positive influencers within the academic community.
Student enthusiasm was evident from the selection process, which attracted 30 participants from various academic disciplines. Following the selection process, 12 students were chosen as finalists to present their literacy programs and ideas in the grand final. Each participant was given five minutes to present their ideas and five minutes to answer questions from the judging panel, comprising Dewi Widayani Suharnomo, S.H., M.Pd.; Ade Al Muhyi, S.T., M.T.; and Yanuar Yoga Prasetyawan, S.Hum., M.Hum.
Following the presentations, question-and-answer sessions, and the judges’ plenary deliberation, the 2026 UNDIP Student Literacy Ambassador awards were presented in three categories. The Gold Medalist awards were presented to Afri Yudatama Siregar, S.T.; Ardiyanti Rahma Sekarsari; and Iqbal Farel Arya Saputra. The Silver Medalist awards went to Ira Rahmawati, Muhamad Ryllo Pambudi, Najwa Basandid, and Rachel Tiurma Sitompul. Meanwhile, the Bronze Medalist awards were received by Azizatuluthfia Ahida Fatahunnai’m, Cindy Claudia Sihotang, Fathina Mutawakkila, Naela Parisya Syafnel Putri, and Najwa Lathfa Ashila.
In conclusion, UNDIP Literacy Ambassador Mother, Dewi Suharnomo, emphasized that the appointment of the Literacy Ambassadors marks the beginning of a real responsibility to advance the Directorate of Library, Undip Press, and Archives (DPUPK). The selection of a representative from the Jepara Campus as one of the Gold Medalist Literacy Ambassadors demonstrates that opportunities for growth and contribution are open and inclusive to all students across UNDIP’s campuses. She expressed hope that the library would continue to thrive as a kawah candradimuka—a place where ideas converge and works are created. Knowledge continues to grow as a sustainable center of learning on campus. Through the Literacy Ambassadors, UNDIP hopes the library will increasingly serve as a space for exchanging ideas, producing creative works, and advancing knowledge, while encouraging students to think more critically when filtering information and to share knowledge that benefits society. (Public Communication/UNDIP/DHW)
