Semarang, 8 June 2026 – Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) held its 61st Anniversary Ceremony (Dies Natalis) on Monday (8 June 2026) at the Prof. Wuryanto Building (UNNES Auditorium). The solemn yet spirited event was attended by the Minister of National Development Planning (PPN)/Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), Prof. Dr. Ir. Rachmat Pambudy, M.S., Chair of the Board of Trustees (MWA) Hendrar Prihadi, the Rector of UNNES, lecturers, educational staff, students, and invited guests from various UNNES partner institutions.
The 61st Dies Natalis served as a moment of reflection on UNNES’s long journey in advancing high-quality higher education that creates impact and contributes to national development. On this occasion, the Rector of UNNES presented a number of strategic achievements accomplished by the university over recent years.
The Rector emphasized that UNNES has continued to improve its performance across various higher education indicators, including strengthening its academic reputation at the international level. This progress is reflected in the university’s steadily improving position in various global university ranking systems.
“UNNES remains committed to providing quality education, conducting relevant research, and carrying out community service that generates tangible impact. These achievements are the result of the collective efforts of the entire academic community and the continuous support of our partners throughout UNNES’s journey,” the Rector stated in his address.
In addition to highlighting institutional achievements, the Rector reaffirmed UNNES’s contribution to national development through the enhancement of human resources, innovation, and research-based policy development.
On the same occasion, the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas delivered a keynote speech on Indonesia’s development toward Golden Indonesia 2045. In his speech, he praised UNNES for its strategic initiatives, which he described as demonstrating a long-term vision in supporting measurable and sustainable national development.
“UNNES has demonstrated a strong commitment to preparing outstanding future generations and producing innovations that are relevant to the nation’s needs. Therefore, UNNES must become part of the development compass guiding Indonesia toward Golden Indonesia 2045,” the Head of Bappenas emphasized before the ceremony participants.
According to him, higher education institutions play a crucial role in generating ideas, innovations, and human resources capable of addressing future development challenges. Therefore, stronger synergy between the government and universities is essential.
As a form of appreciation for his dedication and contribution to national development, the Rector of UNNES conferred the “Upakarti Dharmakarya Pranata Buana” Award upon the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas. The award was presented in recognition of his service and strategic role in national development planning.
The award presentation ceremony was conducted solemnly and received enthusiastic applause from all attendees. The moment symbolized the strong collaboration between the government and higher education institutions in advancing sustainable development in Indonesia.
Throughout the event, participants enthusiastically followed every agenda of the 61st UNNES Dies Natalis. The presence of various stakeholders, institutional partners, and members of the academic community demonstrated strong support for UNNES’s role as a university that continues to create meaningful impact for society, the nation, and the world.
Under the theme “Moving with Impact,” the 61st Dies Natalis marked an important milestone for UNNES to further strengthen its contribution to Indonesia’s development while enhancing its reputation as a world-class university rooted in the values of conservation and sustainability.
