Semarang, Indonesia – July 17, 2026 – Diponegoro University (UNDIP) has officially inaugurated Twin Tower 1 (Education Building 1) at its Pleburan Campus, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of vocational education in Indonesia. More than a new academic facility, the 14-story building represents UNDIP’s long-term commitment to strengthening the ecosystem of a World-Class Vocational School through innovation, industry collaboration, and student-centered learning.
Located in the heart of Semarang, near the iconic Simpang Lima district, Twin Tower 1 was inaugurated by the Rector of Diponegoro University on Friday (July 17). During the ceremony, the Rector also announced that construction of Twin Tower Phase II will begin soon and is expected to be completed by August next year. Upon completion, all departments of the Vocational School will be consolidated within the Pleburan Campus, creating a fully integrated vocational education environment.
The Rector emphasized that the development of Twin Tower is part of UNDIP’s broader strategy to strengthen vocational education as an equal pillar alongside academic education.
“Twin Tower is expected to strengthen the ecosystem of a World-Class Vocational School at Diponegoro University. By bringing all vocational programmes into one integrated campus, we aim to foster stronger collaboration, innovation, and industry-oriented learning. Vocational education should no longer be viewed as a second choice, but as an equally important pathway for developing Indonesia’s future professionals.”
Beginning in the 2026/2027 academic year, students from the Department of Information and Culture and the Department of Business and Finance will become the first cohorts to occupy the new facility. They will study in learning environments specifically designed to support modern vocational education through flexibility, collaboration, and hands-on experience.
Unlike conventional classrooms, learning spaces in Twin Tower 1 are designed as multifunctional environments. A single room can seamlessly function as a classroom, project studio, discussion space, meeting room, collaborative workspace, or teaching factory, depending on the learning activities. This concept fully supports Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Teaching Factory, enabling students to engage in authentic industrial projects while developing interdisciplinary collaboration and professional competencies.
Responding to the Rector’s vision, Dean of the Vocational School of Diponegoro University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Budiyono, M.Si., described the inauguration as both an honour and a responsibility.
“The inauguration of Twin Tower 1 is not merely the addition of a new educational facility. It is a major responsibility entrusted to the Vocational School of Diponegoro University to further strengthen our World-Class Vocational School ecosystem. We will fulfill this mandate by advancing project-based learning, teaching factories, industry collaboration, applied innovation, and the development of graduates who create meaningful impact for society while remaining globally competitive.”
According to Prof. Budiyono, the integrated campus environment will accelerate the implementation of seven strategic ecosystems that define the long-term development of the Vocational School:
- Academic Excellence Ecosystem
- Industry Engagement Ecosystem
- Global Employability Ecosystem
- Character Development Ecosystem
- Innovation and Applied Research Ecosystem
- Applied Media and Global Visibility Ecosystem
- Sustainability and Social Impact Ecosystem
These interconnected ecosystems are designed to produce graduates who combine technical excellence, professional character, global competence, innovation, and a strong commitment to addressing real-world challenges.
The relocation of the Department of Information and Culture and the Department of Business and Finance also enables the operation of various service-based teaching factories, including digital media, public relations, media monitoring, creative communication, business laboratories, entrepreneurship, and other applied learning platforms. These facilities provide students with opportunities to experience industry-like working environments while still on campus.
Once Twin Tower Phase II is completed, all vocational programmes at Diponegoro University will be united within a single integrated campus. This transformation is expected to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration among engineering, business, communication, culture, and applied sciences while creating a vibrant learning community that reflects the evolving needs of modern industries.
More than an iconic addition to the Semarang skyline, Twin Tower 1 symbolizes UNDIP’s commitment to redefining vocational education in Indonesia. It represents a future where modern infrastructure, innovative pedagogy, industry partnerships, and global engagement converge to produce graduates capable of delivering real-world impact.
As Diponegoro University continues its journey toward becoming a World-Class Vocational School, Twin Tower 1 stands as a tangible investment in the next generation of professionals who will contribute not only to Indonesia’s development but also to global society.