UNDIP, Semarang (14/10) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) held a Spiritual Development Program as part of its 69th Anniversary series at the Muladi Dome Multipurpose Building on the UNDIP Tembalang Campus on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Carrying the theme “Harmonizing Knowledge and Faith: Building UNDIP Individuals Who Are Noble and Valuable,” the event encouraged the academic community to strengthen spirituality, put knowledge into practice, and make integrity the foundation of service. Organized by the UNDIP Faculty of Medicine, the event featured K.H. Anang Rikza Masyhadi, M.A., Ph.D., the leader and caretaker of Pondok Modern Tazakka in Batang, Central Java.
UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., expressed his appreciation for the dedication of lecturers, education staff, and students who continue to contribute to the university’s progress. As UNDIP enters its 69th year, he invited the entire university community to be grateful for the opportunity to contribute through education.
Referring to Surah Al-Mujadalah, verse 11, regarding the status of those who have faith and knowledge, he stated that teaching, conducting research, and sharing knowledge are more valuable when grounded in sincere intentions and directed toward long-term benefits. “Let us set our intentions right. Our ultimate purpose is to worship by making our knowledge beneficial,” he said.
The Rector also highlighted the importance of maintaining UNDIP’s achievements in education and community service while continuing to improve research quality through stronger support and increasingly optimal facilities, so that the implementation of the Tridarma of Higher Education can be more balanced. He expressed hope that the entire academic community would undertake this process sincerely and optimistically while maintaining a strong sense of togetherness.
Opening his religious lecture, K.H. Anang Rikza invited participants to understand the relationship between knowledge, faith, and good deeds through the teachings of the Qur’an, particularly Surah Al-Mujadalah verse 11. He emphasized the importance of providing the widest possible access to learning so that knowledge is not enjoyed only by certain groups. For him, knowledge gains meaning when it is practiced and passed on to others. “How can we perform good deeds without knowledge? And what is the purpose of knowledge if it is not put into practice?” he said, emphasizing the importance of balance between understanding and action.
The message was further explored through the relationship between worship and social responsibility. K.H. Anang explained that prayer, which begins with takbir and ends with salam, carries a message about the relationship between human beings and God as well as their responsibility toward others. According to him, spirituality should be reflected in concern for the environment and the well-being of society. “Our worship must create impact. Our knowledge must create impact. Our positions and responsibilities must create impact,” he emphasized. This perspective places meaningful contribution as an important measure of both knowledge and the responsibilities entrusted to an individual.
He further discussed the historical relationship between centers of education and places of worship, reminding higher education institutions not to lose their spiritual dimension. Scientific advancement must go hand in hand with humility, while leadership should be understood as a responsibility entrusted to a person rather than merely a position of authority.
He also underlined the importance of justice in carrying out responsibilities, including when personal interests are involved. These values are relevant to university life, ranging from learning and research activities to decision-making processes concerning the common good.
The Spiritual Development Program, held as part of UNDIP’s 69th Anniversary, strengthened togetherness while reinforcing the character of the academic community. By harmonizing knowledge and faith, UNDIP encourages an academic culture that upholds integrity, humility, and a spirit of service. In line with the spirit of “Synergizing, Innovating, and Creating Impact for the Nation,” UNDIP continues its efforts to develop individuals who excel in knowledge, demonstrate responsibility in leadership, and deliver tangible benefits to society. (Public Communication/UNDIP/DHW)
