As a pioneer and leading institution in the provision of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), Universitas Terbuka (UT) continues to solidify its existence and impact. For nearly four decades, UT has contributed to the intellectual development of the nation by producing high-quality and accomplished alumni across various fields. Additionally, UT continuously innovates and improves the quality of its educational services to remain up-to-date and relevant to societal needs.
Open and Distance Learning has now become a highly popular option among the public. This is primarily because since the COVID-19 pandemic struck Indonesia, distance education with online learning methods has become the preferred choice for people who seek higher education. Recognizing this potential, universities implementing distance learning systems must strengthen and enhance the quality of their services and resources.
In line with this, an association with a vision to become a trusted body in the development of distance learning systems was established, namely the Indonesian Distance Learning Professional Association (APPJJI). APPJJI aims to support research, development, and the implementation of distance education as well as distance training and communication. This is directed towards creating a strong alliance to meet the educational and training development needs of the learning community through new concepts integrating communication technology with learning in a broad multidisciplinary application.
As an organization, good and strong organizational governance is necessary for maintaining the organization’s existence and sustainability. Therefore, to realize this, APPJI held an Extraordinary National Meeting (MUNASLUB) to elect a new Chairman of the Central Executive Board (DPP) APPJJI, replacing the former Chairman, Muhammad Husni Arifin, S.Ag., M.Si., Ph.D., who had passed away. This event was held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in a hybrid format, both in-person at the Operation Room of the BKUK Building, Universitas Terbuka, and online via Zoom Meeting, with the theme:
“Challenges and Opportunities of Distance Education in Indonesia in the Era of Artificial Intelligence”
This theme was chosen to reflect APPJJI’s focus on addressing the challenges and opportunities of distance education in Indonesia. The event was attended by the Rector of Universitas Terbuka, Prof. Drs. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D., who also serves as an Advisory Board member of APPJI, along with other UT Vice Rectors, Deans, APPJI Board members, and the Rector of Universitas Siber Muhammadiyah, Dr. Ir. Bambang Riyanta, S.T., M.T., as well as other invited guests, both in-person and online.
The event started with an opening by the MC, Niesrina Trixie Nur Imania, S.S., followed by the singing of the national anthem, Indonesia Raya, and the reciting of a prayer. This was followed by the presentation of the Chairman’s Report by the APPJI Vice Chairman, Mohammad Adning, S.Pd., M.Pd., Ph.D. In his presentation, he stated that APPJI has grown and will continue to develop and contribute to the introduction and development of PJJ. He also expressed deep appreciation for the late Muhammad Husni Arifin, S.Ag., M.Si., Ph.D., the former APPJJI Chairman. “He has made many significant contributions during his tenure, including reactivating APPJJI membership throughout Indonesia and adding 10 universities to the association. Additionally, various academic activities and MoUs with partners have been conducted,” he added. He also thanked the Rector of UT for facilitating this event.
This was followed by a speech and guidance from the Chairman of the APPJJI Advisory Board, who is also the Rector of Universitas Terbuka, Prof. Drs. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D. In his address, he expressed great appreciation to all those who have dedicated themselves to APPJI. He also stated, “Distance learning has become a strategic issue since COVID-19. It is an issue of interest to the government, particularly the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, and to both public and private higher education institutions, making it an important and urgent issue.” Prof. Ojat also emphasized that it is time for higher education institutions to collaborate and synergize to create a generation of excellent human resources in line with the government’s mandate for universities. After the speech and guidance from the Advisory Board, the main agenda of the MUNASLUB, the election of the new Chairman of the Central Executive Board APPJJI, took place.
After the deliberations by the Formatur Team, based on Decision Number: A/101/APPJJI/VI/2024, Rahmat Budiman, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., was appointed as the Chairman of the Central Executive Board of APPJI for the 2024-2026 period. This was followed by the inauguration ceremony conducted by the Chairman of the APPJI DPP Advisory Board, Prof. Drs. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D. Following the inauguration, Rahmat Budiman, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., delivered his speech as the newly appointed Chairman. In his speech, he expressed his deepest gratitude for the trust placed in him. “We will review, refine, and adjust the programs created by our predecessors,” he said. He also stated that the role and contribution of APPJI are now very significant, given the importance of improving the quality of human resources in distance education institutions, with the hope that membership will continue to increase from year to year. The event was concluded with a closing statement from the MC.
The successful holding of the APPJI MUNASLUB and the election of the new Chairman of the Central Executive Board mark a turning point for the future sustainability of APPJI. It is hoped that with the latest initiatives and breakthroughs planned by APPJI, there will be a positive impact and a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and synergize in advancing education in Indonesia, particularly in Distance Learning (PJJ).
For more information, visit: https://appjji.org/
