Diponegoro University

Diponegoro University (Indonesian: Universitas Diponegoro) , is a state university located in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia and a member of IDGHE. Founded in 1956 as a private university by Semarang University Foundation, it is a pioneer of higher learning institutions in the Indonesia , also the first and oldest corporation in Central java.

Initially called " Semarang University", the institution was named Diponegoro University on October 5, 1960, after granted state university accreditation by the Indonesian Government. "Diponegoro" name is taken from an Indonesian hero who waged war against the Dutch colonialism in early 19th century. At present this institution better known as UNDIP.

UNDIP is the best University in Central Java Indonesia. It is renowned for being at the forefront of engineering and technological knowledge. During 2000 UNDIP expanded engineering faculty and Research facility in Tembalang campus, has 11 faculties and the number of research centres, in addition to academic departments to service technological, educational and research.

An important result of UNDIP’s carefully managed modernisation is a steadily improving education system that has poured millions into research and development, and to encouraging international students into the country. In the 2007 THES-QS Top World University Rankings, the Diponegoro University (UNDIP) featured well in the ranking of the world’s top 500 universities (487th position), which increases from 495th position in 2006. The quality of teaching in UNDIP has improved greatly over recent years, following a government decree that all teachers and lecturers have to possess a Master/PhD degree. The strategic actions had been taken in line with to the new paradigm of higher education development program which has been proposed by Indonesian Directorate General of High Education (IDGHE).

History

The establishment of Diponegoro University began from mid-1956 preceded by establishment of Semarang University Foundation. Its founding fathers were Mr. Imam Bardjo, Mr. Soedarto, Mr. Dan Sulaiman and Mr. Soesanto Kartoatmodjo.

Officially Semarang University was opened on January 9, 1957. Considering its young age with the limited educational infrastructures, in that time educational institutions such as Academy of State Administration, Academy of Business Administration, Academy of Engineering (later School of Engineering) was just founded. Their 1st deans were Mr. Goenawan Goetomo (Academy of State Administration), Drs. Tjioe Sien Kiong (Academy of Business Administration), Prof. Ir. Soemarman (Academy of Engineering).

In the 3rd anniversary of Semarang University on 9 January 1960 President Soekarno changed the name of Semarang University to Diponegoro University, as the appreciation for achievement establishing the high educational field in Central Java. Diponegoro (Private) University was declared as a state university, since October 5, 1960, that became the birthday of Diponegoro University. The then faculties were School of Law and Public Science, School of Economics, School of Engineering and Normal School.

Institutions

A faculty of about 142 professors serve as of school year 2008, had 1750 academic staffs and 1065 administrative staffs. On the end September 2008, the registered students were 24,424. The ratio of lecturers and students exists in the ideal number 1 : 14. This number didn’t include freelance and half-time lecturers. UNDIP offers many departments. In the total 10 Faculty, there are 21 departments and 68 study program relevant to the necessity of surrounding communities. According to the lattest survey (2006) perform by The Times Magazine United Kingdom, UNDIP is included in the list of 500 best university worldwide.