In the spirit of commemorating the 79th Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence on August 17, 2024, Universitas Terbuka once again demonstrated its commitment to building the nation’s future through education. With great solemnity, the Rector, along with the university’s leadership and all staff of Universitas Terbuka (UT) Central Office, conducted the Independence Day ceremony. 

The ceremony was held in the parking lot of the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC). The flag-raising ceremony, in honor of Indonesia’s Independence Day, carried the message that the spirit of hustle and cooperation remains deeply ingrained in our hearts. 

The Rector of Universitas Terbuka, Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D., served as the ceremony leader, delivering the speech from the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. In his remarks, the Minister urged everyone to continue the struggle initiated by the nation’s predecessors. “Indonesia’s independence is the result of a collective movement toward a shared goal. There is no independence without a struggle carried out with cooperation. 

Just as the struggle for independence was fought with a shared vision, the drive to advance education and culture is ignited with the same spirit of cooperation. 

At the end of the speech, the Minister emphasized the importance of the Merdeka Belajar (Freedom to Learn) movement and expressed gratitude that, starting this year, the Merdeka Curriculum is being implemented as the national curriculum. 

The Merdeka Belajar movement, which has been championed over the past five years, stands as a testament to the pivotal role of education in the nation’s progress. 

The Merdeka Belajar movement is just the beginning. Therefore, the Minister called for continued collective action to realize the goals of Merdeka Belajar, with the aim of advancing Indonesia’s education and culture. “Let us strengthen our resolve and our efforts to propel Indonesia into a brighter future,” the Minister asserted. 

On the 79th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence, 42 UT employees were awarded the Satya Lancana. The Satya Lancana is a recognition from the President of the Republic of Indonesia, awarded to UT Civil Servants who have served for 30, 20, and 10 years. On this occasion, the Satya Lancana was presented by UT Rector, Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D. Fifteen employees received the Satya Lancana for 30 years of service, 10 employees for 20 years of service, and 17 employees for 10 years of service. 

The awarding of the Satya Lancana to 42 UT employees is a form of appreciation for their dedication and decades-long service. This recognition is not merely symbolic but also an acknowledgment of their significant contributions to supporting UT’s vision and mission. 

During the 79th Independence Day ceremony at Universitas Terbuka’s central office, there was a source of great pride as the flag-raising team (Paskibra) this time was the 2023 Paskibra of the South Tangerang City Government. The presence of the 2023 South Tangerang City Government Paskibra team made the ceremony, attended by UT Central Office staff at the UTCC courtyard, more orderly and solemn. 

The flag-raising ceremony commemorating Indonesia’s Independence Day became an important moment for all attendees to show respect to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the beloved nation’s independence. 

By participating in the flag-raising ceremony, the sense of nationalism to steadfastly build the nation is further strengthened. Let us continue to move forward, together, to create a brighter future for Indonesia.