Growing up in Semarang as the youngest of three siblings, Marsya witnessed firsthand her mother’s unwavering determination to support the family by selling traditional cakes, fried snacks, and packed meals from a tenongan—a traditional woven bamboo basket—around the Semarang City Hall offices and Jalan Pemuda. Her mother’s tireless dedication and sacrifices became the driving force behind Marsya’s determination to pursue higher education at her dream university.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my parents for their endless prayers, love, and sacrifices. Their unwavering support, along with the scholarship I received, became an invaluable source of motivation throughout my academic journey,” Marsya said.

From the beginning, Marsya was determined to continue her studies at Universitas Diponegoro. In addition to the university’s strong reputation and high-quality education, she was drawn to UNDIP for its extensive opportunities for students to develop both academically and personally.

She chose the Logistics Management and Administration study program at the Vocational School because of her strong interest in supply chain efficiency and distribution management.

Marsya believes that the logistics sector plays a vital role in supporting Indonesia’s industries while offering broad career opportunities for the future. Throughout her studies, Marsya faced numerous challenges, including adapting to a demanding academic workload, completing practical assignments, and balancing university responsibilities with her family commitments.

Marsya attributes her success in completing her studies and earning an applied bachelor’s degree to the support she received through the Indonesia Smart College Card (KIP-K) Scholarship. The scholarship not only eased her family’s financial burden but also motivated her to maintain strong academic performance and make the most of the opportunity with a deep sense of responsibility.

Looking ahead, Marsya is committed to applying the knowledge and skills she has gained by building a professional career in the logistics industry, continuing to innovate, and making her parents proud for everything they have done to help her reach this milestone. She also expressed her hope that Universitas Diponegoro will continue to grow as an outstanding and innovative university, producing graduates of integrity who are well prepared to meet global challenges. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Riri)

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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)

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In his report, Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Ir. Heru Susanto, S.T., M.M., M.T., Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs of Universitas Diponegoro, announced that the graduating class comprises 109 doctoral graduates, 553 master’s graduates, 103 specialist graduates, 378 professional program graduates, 4,106 bachelor’s graduates, and 677 applied bachelor’s graduates. Of the total graduates, 65.49 percent completed their studies with cum laude honors.

The Vice Rector also expressed his pride in the graduation of 140 recipients of the Bidikmisi scholarship, now known as the Indonesia Smart College Card (KIP-K) Scholarship. The program, administered by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Higher Education, provides financial assistance to academically outstanding students from economically disadvantaged families.

During the ceremony, special recognition was given to Dr. Dani Puji Utomo, a graduate of the Doctoral Program in Chemical Engineering and a young faculty member in UNDIP’s Department of Chemical Engineering. Throughout his doctoral studies, he successfully published 10 Scopus-indexed scientific articles in reputable international journals, all based solely on the findings of his dissertation research.

“I am deeply grateful because UNDIP played a significant role throughout this journey. For example, the Institute for Research and Community Services (LPPM) regularly organizes Writing Camps, and I also actively participated in manuscript clinics at the Faculty of Engineering. My message to fellow lecturers is to keep writing, because our publications contribute not only to the university’s rankings but also to ideas and innovations that create meaningful benefits for society,” said Dr. Dani.

UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si. expressed his pride in the university’s success in cultivating a strong research culture among its students. “This achievement demonstrates that UNDIP doctoral students are not only able to complete their studies on time, but also produce research outputs that receive international recognition,” he said.

In his address, Prof. Suharnomo also congratulated all graduates on completing their academic journey.

“Always be grateful and proud to be UNDIP graduates, representing one of Indonesia’s finest universities with a world-class reputation,” the Rector remarked.

He noted that this reputation is reflected in UNDIP’s achievements, including being ranked second nationally and 23rd globally in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings for its commitment to sustainable campus development. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, UNDIP ranked fifth among Indonesian universities and was placed in the 501–600 band in Asia.

Outstanding student achievements further reinforce the university’s accomplishments. Among them, Felicia Hestiawan was named the National Outstanding Undergraduate Student, while Callysta Najmi Raissa earned the title of National Outstanding Diploma Student in the 2025 National Outstanding Student Selection. UNDIP students also achieved remarkable success in prestigious competitions such as the National Student Sports Week (POMNAS), the National Qur’an Recitation Competition for University Students (MTQMN), Satria Data, and numerous other national student competitions.

Prof. Suharnomo also explained that the construction of several major facilities supporting globally competitive education is nearing completion. These include Tower Pleburan, Tower Tembalang, UNDIP Rumah Kita Park, Diponegoro Edu Park, the UNDIP Stadium running track, and various other supporting facilities. He also highlighted several UNDIP innovations that have already benefited communities, including desalination technology and water purification systems currently used by coastal communities in Central Java, flood-affected areas in Sumatra, and isolated communities in Nusakambangan.

In addition, UNDIP operates an Integrated Waste Processing Facility (TPST) to support its zero-waste initiative. The program recently received recognition from Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Brian Yuliarto, Ph.D., who visited UNDIP earlier that day and proposed that the university serve as a pilot project for university waste management across Indonesia.

Meanwhile, the Chair of the UNDIP Academic Senate, Prof. Ir. Tri Winarni Agustini, M.Sc., Ph.D., congratulated all graduates on completing their education at Universitas Diponegoro.

“Universitas Diponegoro is one of Indonesia’s leading universities, producing graduates with strong competitiveness and excellent employability. This achievement motivates the university to continue improving the quality of its education,” she said.

With the completion of the 183rd Graduation Ceremony, Universitas Diponegoro has now produced a total of 297,899 alumni, who have gone on to contribute across a wide range of professions at both the national and international levels, continuing UNDIP’s mission of creating meaningful impact for Indonesian society. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Ut)

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Over the past several decades, urbanization, globalization, and the increasing consumption of processed foods have contributed to the gradual abandonment of traditional diets in many parts of the world. These dietary patterns have increasingly shifted toward Western-style diets, which are typically high in calories, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium while lacking dietary fiber and essential micronutrients. This transition has coincided with the growing prevalence of metabolic diseases, prompting researchers to reexamine the biological potential of traditional diets. In fact, diets passed down through generations embody rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and scientific value that may provide new insights into the relationships between food, the gut microbiome, the immune system, and metabolic health.

In their article, “Studying Vanishing Dietary Diversity Before It Is Lost: The World Diet Initiative,” published in Nature Medicine, the researchers emphasize that the world is currently in a “race against time.” If traditional dietary patterns continue to disappear without being systematically documented and studied, opportunities to understand their biological benefits for human health may also be permanently lost.

The World Diet Initiative was established as a global research platform to address knowledge gaps surrounding traditional diets. The initiative consists of two major components. The first is the World Diet Atlas, an open-access database designed to serve researchers, policymakers, and the public by documenting traditional dietary patterns from around the world. The atlas will include information on the types of foods consumed, methods of food sourcing, preparation techniques, and eating practices unique to different communities.

The second component is the World Diet Project, a biological research program employing multi-omics approaches to investigate how traditional diets influence the human immune system, metabolism, and gut microbiome.

UNDIP’s participation in this international consortium demonstrates Indonesia’s significant potential to contribute to global nutrition and health research. With its extraordinary diversity of local foods and long-standing culinary traditions, Indonesia represents an important source of knowledge for documenting and studying traditional diets within the framework of the World Diet Initiative.

One of the UNDIP authors, Adriyan Pramono, Ph.D., explained that the diversity of traditional diets represents an invaluable source of biological information. According to him, every community has developed unique combinations of local foods, preparation methods, and dietary practices over hundreds or even thousands of years, each potentially producing different health effects.

“Traditional diets are not only reflections of cultural heritage that deserve preservation, but they also contain valuable biological information that can help us understand how food influences human metabolism, the immune system, and the gut microbiota. Through the World Diet Initiative, we hope this diversity of dietary practices can be documented and scientifically studied before it disappears as modern consumption patterns continue to evolve,” he said.

The researchers also emphasized that the initiative does not seek to conclude that all traditional diets are healthier than modern diets. Rather, the research aims to scientifically identify specific foods and dietary practices that genuinely provide health benefits based on robust biological evidence.

Through this multinational collaboration, the researchers expect to establish a comprehensive global database of traditional diets that can support the development of nutrition recommendations better suited to the social, cultural, and environmental contexts of individual countries. Beyond contributing to the prevention of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, the initiative also plays an important role in preserving the world’s culinary heritage.

UNDIP’s participation in the World Diet Initiative further reinforces the University’s position as a higher education institution actively contributing to impactful international research. UNDIP’s achievement aligns with the university’s commitment to producing research that advances scientific knowledge while delivering tangible benefits for global public health. It also reflects the university’s enduring commitment to its vision of “Noble and Valuable UNDIP” both nationally and internationally. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Adriyan Pramono, Ph.D./ed. Nurul)

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The orientation and send-off ceremony for the UNDIP PATRIOT Expedition Team 2026 was held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. (WIB) at the ICT Center Building, UNDIP Tembalang Campus. In his virtual address, UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si. encouraged all expedition members to uphold their personal integrity and the reputation of their alma mater while ensuring that their activities bring meaningful benefits to local communities. “As you depart for Sumatra and Papua, I hope you continue to inspire others and make valuable contributions to Indonesia. Have a safe journey, and may you all return home in good health,” said the Rector.

Representing the Rector, UNDIP Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Public Communication, Wijayanto, S.I.P., M.Si., Ph.D., attended the ceremony and symbolically sent off the expedition team. In his remarks, he emphasized that UNDIP continues to grow as a global epistemic community with a mission to transform knowledge into impactful solutions for societal challenges.

“This expedition reflects our role as ambassadors of an impactful university—working to support regional development while listening to the aspirations of local communities. The 2025 expedition successfully fulfilled its mission, and we hope the UNDIP PATRIOT Expedition 2026 will be equally successful and beneficial,” he said.

Prof. Dr.Ing. Wiwandari Handayani, S.T., M.T., MPS, Chair of the UNDIP PATRIOT Expedition Team Person in Charge (PIC), expressed her full support for the program and encouraged all participants to collaborate in delivering innovations that contribute to sustainable development. “This year’s program focuses on supporting infrastructure development, commodity development, institutional strengthening, and human resource capacity building,” she explained.

The Head of UNDIP’s Institute for Research and Community Services (LPPM), Prof. Dr.Ing. Ir. Suherman, S.T., M.T., stated that the PATRIOT Expedition demonstrates higher education institutions’ commitment to supporting the national development agenda through science-based innovation and community empowerment in transmigration areas.

The program provides an opportunity for the academic community to make tangible contributions in addressing development challenges across transmigration regions. During the PATRIOT Expedition 2026 orientation, UNDIP invited four distinguished speakers to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical perspectives.

The first session was delivered by Dr. Ir. Jawoto Sih Setyono, MDP, on “Transmigration Development Policies in Indonesia Through the Years.” He explained that the expedition team’s field activities would focus on historical, spatial, economic, social, institutional, and equity dimensions. He also outlined three key domains of transmigration area development policy: (1) regional and local development; (2) spatial integration through stronger rural-urban connectivity; and (3) institutional capacity building at multiple levels.

The second speaker, Annastasia Ediati, S.Psi., M.Sc., Ph.D., presented “Social Adaptation and Strengthening Team Collaboration.” She emphasized that the success of rural development programs depends greatly on community acceptance. Therefore, expedition teams should adopt a social-cultural entry approach when integrating into local communities. “Building trust requires formal communication with stakeholders such as government agencies, district heads, and village leaders, as well as informal engagement through outreach with farmer groups, community health volunteers, and Family Welfare Movement (PKK) members. In certain regions, particularly in Papua, teams should also observe local customs by seeking permission from tribal chiefs, known as Ondoafi,” she explained.

Next, Dr. Nurul Hasfi, S.Sos., M.A. delivered a session on “Effective Communication in Social Engagement and Public Communication.” She highlighted the importance of empathetic intercultural communication and ethical storytelling when sharing field experiences on social media.

“Storytelling is more than simply producing content. It combines emotion, information, and identity to create meaningful emotional engagement with audiences. According to research from Stanford Graduate School of Business, stories are remembered up to 22 times more effectively, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with the message,” she said.

Meanwhile, Robetmi Jumpakita Pinem, S.AB., MBA., Ph.D. discussed “Strengthening Local Economies Through Community Empowerment.” He explained that local economic resilience can be achieved by optimizing local resources and empowering communities to manage their own economic potential. Through the UNDIP PATRIOT Expedition 2026, communities in transmigration areas are expected to benefit from skills training, business mentoring, financial management guidance, and expanded access to digital technologies.

Through the PATRIOT Expedition 2026, participants will serve in several national priority transmigration areas, including KT Senggi in Keerom Regency, Papua, as well as KT Petata (Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir Regency), KT Parit Rambutan (Ogan Ilir Regency), KT Telang (Banyuasin Regency), and KT Kikim (Lahat Regency) in South Sumatra.

The placement of participants across these regions is expected to generate development recommendations and practical solutions that are responsive to local social, economic, and environmental dynamics. The expedition is also expected to catalyze adaptive, sustainable, and community-centered development models that improve the quality of life for people living in transmigration areas.

The partner universities participating in the UNDIP PATRIOT Expedition Team 2026 include:

1. Universitas Negeri Semarang
2. Universitas Sriwijaya
3. Universitas Gadjah Mada
4. Universitas Brawijaya
5. Universitas Semarang
6. Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta
7. Universitas Cendrawasih
8. Institut Teknologi Sumatera
9. Institut Pertanian STIPER Yogyakarta
10. Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta
11. Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo
12. Politeknik Negeri Jember
13. Universitas Ronggolawe
14. Universitas Terbuka
15. Universitas Islam Indonesia
16. Universitas Lampung
17. UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta
18. Politeknik Negeri Pontianak
19. Universitas Syiah Kuala
20. Universitas Pembangunan Panca Budi Medan
21. Universitas Islam Sultan Agung

(Public Communication/UNDIP/Titis)

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As the academic hub of the UNDIP Vocational School, Twin Tower 1 integrates classrooms, laboratories, academic services, faculty offices, a library, and student organization spaces within a single vertical complex. This integrated concept enables the academic community to access learning resources more efficiently while strengthening collaboration among students, lecturers, and industry partners.

The classrooms in Twin Tower 1 are designed as smart classrooms that support interactive learning. Equipped with modern layouts and digital learning technologies, these classrooms provide lecturers with the flexibility to implement various teaching approaches, including project-based learning, group discussions, presentations, and case-study-based instruction—hallmarks of vocational education.

Serving as an extended learning space beyond the classroom, the ninth floor features a library and communal area designed as a hub for discussion, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. This space is expected to become a productive environment where students can work on projects, collaborate across study programs, prepare for competitions, and develop innovative ideas alongside lecturers and peers.

An integrated service center further supports academic activities. Faculty offices, academic administrative services, and departmental management offices are located within the same area, making academic coordination, student consultations, and administrative services more efficient and accessible.

To promote student character development and leadership, Twin Tower 1 provides dedicated student association rooms that serve as centers for student organizational activities. These facilities are expected to encourage programs and collaborations that strengthen leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

Meanwhile, the 14th floor functions as a multipurpose hall that can accommodate seminars, training sessions, public lectures, conferences, and collaborative events with industry partners. This multifunctional space further reinforces the Vocational School’s role as an institution actively fostering partnerships with businesses, industries, government agencies, and international collaborators.

Beyond its academic functions, Twin Tower 1 has also been designed with comfort and inclusivity in mind. The building features accessible restrooms on every floor, lactation rooms, prayer rooms on every even-numbered floor, three passenger elevators and one freight elevator, designated evacuation routes, balcony areas, and open spaces that provide a more comfortable learning environment for the entire academic community.

These facilities reflect the UNDIP Vocational School’s commitment to creating a learning environment that supports the comprehensive development of students’ competencies. The presence of Twin Tower 1 is expected not only to enhance the quality of the learning process but also to strengthen a culture of collaboration, innovation, and creativity, equipping students with the skills needed to meet the challenges of the future workplace and industry.

Through Twin Tower 1, the Universitas Diponegoro Vocational School continues its journey toward becoming a World-Class Vocational School by providing modern, sustainable learning facilities aligned with the evolving needs of the professional world and technological advancement. (Public Communication/UNDIP)

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