SEMARANG — Politeknik Negeri Semarang (Polines) hosted the 2025 Central Java Independent Harvest Festival, which was officially opened by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd, at the Wisma Perdamaian (Peace Building) in Semarang City, Thursday (6/11/2025).
Carrying the theme "Innovation Stage, Appropriate Technology, and Multi-Party Synergy for a Sustainable Future," this activity is a strategic platform for vocational education in Central Java to introduce innovation results and strengthen partnerships between universities, the business and industry (DUDI), government, communities, and the mass media.
The Berdikari Festival is the result of the synergy of the Central Java Vocational College Consortium consisting of six colleges, Politeknik Negeri Semarang (Polines), Politeknik Negeri Maritim, Politeknik Negeri Cilacap, ATMI Surakarta Polytechnic, Sebelas Maret University Vocational School, and Diponegoro University Vocational School.
The event was attended by the Regional Secretary of Central Java Province, Sumarno; the Head of the Central Java Education and Culture Office, Sadimin; the Head of the Central Java Health Office, Yunita Dyah Suminar; leaders of vocational colleges; and industry representatives. Also in attendance was Polines Director Dr. Garup Lambang Goro, ST, MT, who personally welcomed the guests.
In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd emphasized the importance of the role of higher education as part of a social system that has a real impact on society.
"Universities can't just have offices on campus; they must also have offices in local governments and in the community. This demonstrates the commitment of higher education to providing tangible benefits," he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Central Java Vocational College Consortium, Dr. Kurnianingsih, said that this festival is a concrete form of multi-stakeholder collaboration to strengthen the role of vocational education in supporting the region's leading sectors.
"In addition to showcasing innovative products, this festival also involves 10 vocational schools and several companies offering internship opportunities and job recruitment," he said.
The 2025 Berdikari Festival will feature an exhibition and showcase of innovative products, a public discussion forum, and the signing of multi-stakeholder partnerships. This event is expected to catalyze synergy between research, industry, and the community in realizing a competitive and sustainable future for Central Java.