EduAsiaNews, Semarang — The commemoration of the 118th National Awakening Day (Harkitnas) at Diponegoro University (UNDIP) served as a momentum to reaffirm the spirit of national self-reliance through innovation and the downstreaming of university research outcomes. During the ceremony held at Widya Puraya Field, UNDIP Tembalang Campus, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the Rector of UNDIP, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, delivered a speech emphasizing the important role of higher education institutions as sources of optimism and solutions to the nation’s various challenges.
In his address, which referred to the remarks of the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Suharnomo stated that this year’s National Awakening Day theme, “Nurturing the Nation’s Future for National Sovereignty,” is highly relevant to current challenges. While the nation’s struggle in the past focused on territorial sovereignty, today’s challenges have shifted toward information sovereignty, digital transformation, and the nation’s ability to achieve independence in science and technology mastery.
According to the Rector, the spirit of national awakening should not merely be commemorated ceremonially, but must be realized through tangible contributions that benefit society. He stressed that universities play a strategic role in fostering national optimism through innovations capable of addressing industrial and societal needs.
“We want this campus to inspire optimism for this nation. We want our social media platforms to be filled with optimism as children of the nation,” said Prof. Suharnomo.
One concrete example highlighted was the research collaboration between Diponegoro University and PT Symmex Medical Indonesia in developing bone scaffold products made from green mussel materials. The collaboration, involving research teams from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Engineering, aims to produce high-quality healthcare products that Indonesia still largely imports, at an estimated cost of only one-third of similar imported products.
“If this succeeds, we will have a role model. This is an example of optimism that can be developed on campus, that this nation is a great nation, and that optimism begins with small things, from a simple question: ‘Why can’t we produce it ourselves?’” he explained.
In addition to the bone scaffold product, Prof. Suharnomo stated that by the end of 2026, UNDIP aims to introduce at least four campus innovation products to the market, including water treatment technology and other research-based products. According to him, this achievement is expected to become concrete evidence that higher education institutions can contribute to strengthening national industries while reducing dependence on imported products.
The Rector also encouraged lecturers, educational staff, and students to continue developing knowledge and innovations that directly impact society. With 135 professors at UNDIP and the university’s achievement as the higher education institution with the highest number of simple patents in Indonesia, Prof. Suharnomo expressed optimism that UNDIP possesses great potential to generate even more beneficial innovations.
“Even if we are pessimistic and only 10 percent of these 135 professors produce work that truly benefits scientific development and society, it would still be something tremendous and extraordinary,” he remarked.
On the same occasion, Prof. Suharnomo also announced that Diponegoro University has officially been appointed as the host of the 39th National Student Scientific Week. According to him, this trust reflects recognition of UNDIP’s capacity not only as an organizer of national events, but also as a university that consistently promotes student achievement and innovation at the national level.
In closing, Prof. Suharnomo emphasized that, for the UNDIP academic community, the true meaning of national awakening lies in the courage to provide solutions to national challenges through education, research, and innovation. With this spirit, UNDIP remains committed to becoming a dignified and impactful university that contributes meaningfully toward realizing a more independent and globally competitive Indonesia.
