The Faculty of Public Health (FKM) of Diponegoro University (Undip) has recently completed its Campus Orientation and Introduction programme, which included a three-day Character Education (PENDIKAR) programme held from August 20 to 22, 2025. This activity was designed to introduce campus cultural values, ethics, and mental health issues to new students (maba) through an interactive and educational approach. Attended by hundreds of new students, the event successfully built character and self-awareness among participants through a series of sessions, games, and group discussions.
On the first day (20 August 2025), the activity began with an opening in each group’s classroom, including reading the rules and regulations, singing the national anthem, and filling out attendance sheets. FKM lecturers explained campus cultural values and ethics, followed by a pre-test and an explanation of the PENDIKAR concept. Participants then took a short break before entering the ‘Self-Image’ session through self-branding games, self-mading creation, and group presentations. The next session focused on the values of ‘Courage and Care,’ with presentations on mental health, social environments, and social media, followed by discussions and group presentations. After ISHOMA (Rest, Prayer, and Meal), the material continued with a ‘Self-Care Card’ session for self-reflection, and at the end of the session, a declaration of commitment was made regarding mental health, social environment, and social media. The next session was on emotional regulation, in which new students were encouraged to recognise their emotions and regulate them appropriately. The first day ended with a session on integrity, which consisted of brief material and games aimed at increasing the honesty and responsibility of new students.
The second day continued with high energy, starting with the MC’s opening remarks and a prayer, followed by a game called ‘One Picture, Many Souls,’ which consisted of pictures representing each group member and pictures representing the group. After a break, the students continued with a discussion session on the theme ‘Small Steps, Big Impact and Bekal Sang Dipo’ followed by a presentation. After ISHOMA, the session continued with an explanation of the values of Pancasila in the context of campus life. New students were involved in group discussions on the application of Pancasila values, presentation of results, and games to strengthen teamwork.
The highlight of the third day’s activities featured lively station-to-station games, where participants moved between stations in the FKM area to complete challenges such as sarong relay, box stepping, ball relay, ball wire, and balloon relay. After ISHOMA, the event continued with an FKM tour to introduce campus facilities, map assignments, and awards for the best participants, including the best male and female categories, the best group, as well as the ‘Stranger to Friend’ and ‘Gema Dipo’ awards. The event closed with a performance by the lecturers’ band and entertainment from Studio8, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of togetherness.
This PENDIKAR activity not only introduced the campus but also shaped the character of new students to prepare them for academic and social challenges. With the active participation of the committee, mentors, and student mobilisation, the event successfully raised new students’ awareness of Undip’s values and mental health. FKM Undip hopes that similar activities will continue to be an annual tradition to support the development of a healthy and character-driven generation.