Semarang, June 2, 2025 – The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Diponegoro (FISIP Undip) hosted an academic forum titled “Evaluation of the First 100 Days of the Central Java Governor and Vice Governor’s Work.” The event brought together academics, bureaucrats, and statistical institutions to assess the achievements and challenges of the new provincial government in its early leadership period.

The forum was moderated by Dr. Dra. Rina Martini, M.Si., Chair of the Master’s Program in Political Science at FISIP Undip. She emphasized the importance of synergy between universities and policymakers, particularly in developing science-based evaluations that are not only objective but also reflective.

Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D., Vice Rector of Universitas Diponegoro, provided constructive criticism regarding the regional government’s communication approach. He noted that while policy directions appeared clear and measurable, their delivery to the public remained trapped in outdated, top-down, and bureaucratic methods.

“In the digital era, the public expects more than just information. They demand relatable narratives, communicative delivery, and presence on the platforms they use daily,” Wijayanto asserted. He suggested that the Central Java Provincial Government adopt storytelling-based communication and more digestible data visualization to ensure policies are not only heard but also understood and appreciated.

Furthermore, Wijayanto highlighted Undip’s strategic role in designing adaptive and creative communication formats. According to him, integrating expertise from various fields—such as communication studies, visual design, and information technology—could serve as a vital asset in strengthening the government’s digital presence in the public sphere.

Meanwhile, Dr. Teguh Yuwono, M.Pol.Admin., Dean of FISIP Undip, commended the collaborative spirit demonstrated by the Central Java Governor and Vice Governor in their first 100 days. He regarded the provincial government’s active engagement with over 40 universities as a progressive initial step.

However, Teguh stressed that collaboration should be substantive, not merely symbolic. He emphasized that universities are not just cooperation targets but strategic partners capable of contributing policy analysis, data-driven critiques, and relevant scientific recommendations.

“The government must provide greater space for academics in the stages of policy formulation to evaluation. This is not about image-building but about creating an inclusive and participatory governance system,” Teguh stated. He also underscored the need for non-elitist communication styles to ensure development processes involve all societal layers.

Also present at the forum was Dr. Zulkifli, Head of the Central Java Regional Development Acceleration Team (TPPD), who welcomed Undip’s input and affirmed that collaboration opportunities remain open for universities. He described university-government partnerships as the foundation for strengthening a research-based policy ecosystem.

Endang Tri Wahyuningsih, Head of the Central Java Statistics Agency, added that leveraging statistical data for communication and decision-making is crucial. She invited universities to actively engage in making data more accessible to the public through humanistic and educational approaches.

The event reinforced FISIP Undip’s position as an institution that not only fulfils an educational role but also serves as a critical and strategic partner in advancing science-based regional development.