The achievements of Universitas Terbuka (UT) in South Sulawesi, which have helped the government improve human resources, are marked by the graduation of over 50,000 alumni working in various sectors. As a State University with Legal Entity (PTN-BH) implementing an Online and Distance Learning (ODL) System, UT continues to expand its reach to improve modern services and generate high-quality graduates. 

To provide more comfortable and excellent services, UT Makassar will soon occupy a new building in a strategic location to facilitate access for students and the South Sulawesi community to UT education. This new building was inaugurated by the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (Menko PMK) of Indonesia, Prof. Muhadjir Effendy, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. The event was marked by the pressing of a siren button, accompanied by several UT leaders and local officials, including UT Rector Prof. Drs. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D., Acting Governor of South Sulawesi Prof. Zudan Arif Fakrulloh, S.H., M.H., Mayor of Makassar Ir. H. Mohammad Ramdhan Pomanto, South Sulawesi Police Chief, and Hasanuddin Military Commander. 

During the event, Prof. Muhadjir praised UT’s contribution to generating excellent human resources in Indonesia. For 40 years since its establishment, UT has played a significant role in educating the nation. Its innovations, particularly in learning technology, deserve appreciation. “UT is a university ahead of its time. When the world of education (decades ago) was not very familiar with technology, UT was already talking about producing learning media. It was rare at that time,” he said. 

Prof. Muhadjir encouraged UT to strengthen its learning technology, as it is the core business. With its status as a PTN BH, this will be an added advantage. Therefore, anyone needing information about learning technology will come to UT. 

UT Rector, Prof. Ojat Darojat, also stated that the presence of the new UT Makassar campus building would support better services for students and stakeholders. The new six-story campus building with complete facilities will enhance UT’s image. 

“With this new campus, employees can provide better services, which automatically improves UT’s image. Added benefits include affordable costs, A accreditation, and already being a PTN BH,” he said. 

Prof. Ojat hopes the new campus and excellent services will make UT more attractive and popular. Nationally, UT has 551,000 students. UT remains committed to being a solution for those who want higher education but are constrained by distance and high costs. 

UT Makassar Director, Prof. Abdul Rahman Rahim, added that excellent service is a necessity with the presence of a new campus with complete facilities. The new campus is UT’s response to fulfilling the need for higher education services. 

“This meets demands and needs. With the new campus, services for students and stakeholders will be better,” he said. 

The new building, located at the Hasanuddin airport junction, was constructed on a 3,500 square meter area and consists of four floors. Construction began in October 2019 and was completed in January 2024. The building’s facilities are designed to provide comfort and easy access for students and the South Sulawesi community. It includes service rooms, online exam rooms, reading rooms, student activity rooms, and meeting rooms, reflecting UT Makassar’s commitment to providing the best educational services, including flexible online courses. 

Serving 24 regencies/cities, including Makassar, Gowa, Maros, Parepare, and Tana Toraja, UT Makassar currently has around 8,200 active students, most of whom are high school graduates. UT Makassar also operates 11 UT Service Centers (SALUT) in various regions such as Jeneponto, Bantaeng, Selayar, Maros, Pangkep, Parepare City, Wajo, Tana Toraja, Palopo, and East Luwu. 

With this new building, UT Makassar is expected to further solidify its strategic role in education in South Sulawesi. The improved facilities will support UT Makassar in providing affordable, flexible, and high-quality education, including through online learning systems, in line with government mandates. The inauguration of this new building is a significant milestone in UT Makassar’s journey to continue contributing to producing graduates who are competitive and highly skilled in various sectors.