Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) is not only known as a conservation-oriented and environmentally conscious campus but also as a university that actively promotes a healthy lifestyle by providing various sports facilities accessible to the wider community.
As a higher education institution with a Faculty of Sports Science (FIK), UNNES has developed a range of modern sports facilities. These include an athletic stadium, swimming pool, football field, tennis courts, badminton courts, archery range, climbing wall, jogging tracks and also mini golf course and driving range that surround the campus area.
These facilities are not only used for academic purposes such as teaching and research but are also open to the public, including local residents and nearby schools in the Gunungpati area of Semarang City. This openness makes the UNNES campus vibrant every afternoon and weekend, as both students and local residents actively use the facilities.
Public Access to Sports Facilities
Originally designed to support the learning activities of Sports Science students, these facilities have evolved into public spaces where the community can exercise and interact socially.
UNNES manages its sports facilities under three categories. First, free access facilities that are open to everyone without charge, such as the jogging tracks at the Rectorate Field and Prof. Dirham Field, which are freely available to the public every day. Prof. Dirham Field is equipped with a running track, jumping and throwing areas, and a synthetic turf soccer field.
Second, semi-paid access. Facilities such as tennis courts, futsal fields, and archery areas that can be booked for a small maintenance contribution. The fees are not commercial in nature but are meant to support the upkeep of the facilities for sustainable use. The golf course facilities can be accessed at rates ranging from Rp40,000 to Rp235,000 per session.
Third, paid access facilities. Facilities such as the swimming pool and athletic stadium, which are available for rent for large-scale events, tournaments, or regular club training.
A Shared Space for Activity and Well-Being
The opening of these facilities to the public has made the UNNES campus a lively hub of activity. Every afternoon, the jogging track at the Rectorate Field becomes a natural meeting point where lecturers, students, and local residents mingle in a healthy and friendly atmosphere.
On Saturdays and Sundays, hundreds of Semarang residents also visit Prof. Dirham Field to exercise with their families, jog, or simply enjoy the fresh air while socializing. The golf course facilities also can be accessed daily from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Several schools around Gunungpati also regularly use UNNES’s sports facilities for physical education, student athlete training, and interschool sports competitions. This collaboration reinforces the university’s role as a community hub that supports the development of young people’s potential.
Community Sports Events
In addition to opening its facilities, UNNES regularly organizes mass sports events that are open to the public, such as fun walks, cycling events, and group exercise sessions.
These activities are often held to commemorate national holidays, celebrate the university’s Dies Natalis, or promote public health awareness campaigns.
Through these initiatives, UNNES encourages community participation in maintaining fitness, strengthening social bonds, and reinforcing the university’s image as a safe, healthy, and inclusive public space.
In addition to serving as a learning and recreational facility, UNNES is also actively hosting various national and regional sports events. Throughout 2024, a number of activities have been held, such as:
- The National Petanque Championship for Students on May 22–26, 2024
- The Central Java Provincial Level Regional Student Sports Week (POPDA) for Archery on June 22-23, 2024 at Prof. Dumadi Field
- The Bhayangkari Volleyball Match for the Regional Police Chief’s Cup in the framework of the 72nd Bhayangkari Movement Unity Day (HKGB) on July 8-9, 2024 at the Prof. Kamiso UNNES Semarang Sports Hall.
- The Central Java Elementary and Junior High School Regional POPDA for Archery and Badminton on November 4-7, 2024 at Prof. Dumadi Field and UNNES Pegandan Badminton Sports Hall
- Superco Superfest 2024 (a youth soccer tournament) on November 10, 2024
- The Central Java Provincial Sports Week (PORPROV) of the Indonesian Civil Servant Corps (KOPRI) on December 9-12, 2024(*)
Commitment to a Healthy and Inclusive Campus
Vice Rector for Planning and Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Nur Qudus, stated that UNNES continues to enhance its campus sports facilities.
“UNNES sports facilities are not built solely for the academic community but also to cultivate a healthy lifestyle among the public. We want the campus to be a friendly, healthy, and inclusive public space,” he said.
Through this initiative, UNNES strengthens its role as a conservation university that integrates education, sports, and community empowerment, while reaffirming its vision of becoming a world-class university that delivers real impact to its surrounding environment.
