South Tangerang, July 14, 2025 – Universitas Terbuka (UT) once again proved its commitment to producing excellent, adaptive, and competitive graduates in the current digital transformation era. This was demonstrated through the Academic Seminar, part of the Universitas Terbuka Graduation series for Academic Year 2024/2025 Even Semester Region 2. Held at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC) on Monday (July 14), the event carried the theme “Towards the Future of the Digital Era: Achieving Brilliant Achievements” and was attended by 1,165 prospective graduates from various regions and backgrounds. 

The event commenced with a report from the Committee Chair, also the Director of Academic Administration and Graduation (DAAK), Firmansyah, S.Kom., M.M. This was followed by a welcoming address from the Vice Rector for Finance, Resources, and General Affairs at UT, Prof. Ali Muktiyanto, S.E., M.Si. In his message, Prof. Ali emphasized that this seminar was not merely a part of the graduation ceremony but “a space for reflection that graduation is not an end, but the beginning of broader service.” He invited the prospective graduates to use knowledge as a light to make real and widespread contributions to society. “The degree you hold today is a trust, and every trust will be held accountable,” he asserted. Prof. Ali also appreciated the tireless efforts of the graduates who pursued higher education through UT’s open and distance learning system. 

Adding to the significance of the seminar was the signing of Memorandum of Agreements (PKS) between Universitas Terbuka and two partners from Timor Leste: 

1. UT with BRI Timor Leste The PKS was signed by the Acting Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Partnership, and Business, Prof. Rahmat Budiman, M.Hum., Ph.D., and the General Manager of BRI Timor Leste, Roby Firmansyah Sastraatmadja. This collaboration with BRI Timor Leste includes: * Provision of payment services. * Resource support for the implementation of higher education Tridharma (education, research, community service). * Integration of information systems. * Socialization and education. * Improvement of Human Resources (HR) quality. 

2. UT with TELKOMCEL Timor Leste The PKS was signed by the Acting Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Partnership, and Business, Prof. Rahmat Budiman, M.Hum., Ph.D., and VP Finance and Business Partner, Dedy Edward. This collaboration with Telkomcel Timor Leste includes: * Improvement of information and communication technology (ICT) networks through Telkomcel SIM cards for students. * Utilization of facilities and infrastructure. * Human resource development through education, research, and community service. * Joint socialization and promotion of distance higher education. 

The representative from the Embassy of Timor Leste, Mitu Assa, also expressed appreciation for UT, which he believes has successfully expanded access to education without limits. “Today’s higher education cannot be limited by physical space and geography. Universitas Terbuka has proven that digital learning can reach anyone, anywhere, without sacrificing quality,” he stated. Mitu Assa also conveyed that Timor Leste is very enthusiastic and highly welcomes the established partnership with Universitas Terbuka. “The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement today is a real and strategic step in strengthening higher education between the two countries,” he said. 

UT Rector, Dr. Mohamad Yunus, S.S., M.A., then officially opened the graduation seminar. In his address, the rector stated that “today is a historic moment for Universitas Terbuka,” as UT’s international collaboration expands, especially with Indonesian State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) in Timor-Leste. “With over 41 years of experience and a reach of more than 676,000 students and almost three million alumni in 56 countries, UT is ready to open access to quality higher education globally,” he asserted. 

“UT believes that this collaboration will open up vast opportunities for the people of Timor-Leste to develop their capacity and quality,” he added. 

Inspiring Insights and Graduates 

The academic seminar session featured an inspiring speaker, Prof. Dr. Phil. Ikhfan Haris, M.Sc., Education and Culture Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Timor Leste, who discussed human resource readiness in the digital era. He emphasized the importance of adapting to technological trends in education to ensure UT graduates remain competitive and relevant in the global market. “The world is changing rapidly. Digital is not an option, but a necessity,” said Prof. Ikhfan. 

The inspiring atmosphere was further enhanced by the performance of Jingga Vanessa, a UT Lampung student who was also the 1st Place winner of Kontes Ambyar Indonesia 2024. Her performance added a unique touch, blending academic and artistic spirit in harmony. The seminar also featured a motivational session by Prof. Gorky M. Sembiring, an educational figure, who concluded the seminar with an inspiring session that ignited the spirit of the prospective graduates to continue to grow, learn, and contribute to the nation. 

Three inspiring graduates were also introduced, symbolizing the success of UT’s inclusive and intergenerational distance learning system: 

• Best Graduate: Muhammad Wahyu Ihsan, from UT Bogor, State Administration Science Study Program, with a perfect GPA of 4.00, earning Summa Cum Laude honors. 

• Dedicated Graduate: Sonya Sovitje Pattipeilohy, from UT Yogyakarta, aged 63. 

• Youngest Graduate: Mechy Viora Cahya Rini, from UT Palembang, aged 21. 

UT: A Digital Campus with Impact 

As the only State University (PTN) in Indonesia that implements a Distance Learning (PJJ) system, UT has become home to more than 676,000 active students from across the archipelago and abroad. UT offers 4 (four) Faculties (FEB, FHISIP, FST, FKIP), and a Postgraduate School (SPs) with a flexible, technology-based learning system. UT has also produced almost 3 million alumni who are spread across various strategic sectors, both domestically and internationally. 

Through this seminar, UT affirms that graduation is not merely an academic celebration but a mark of its commitment to continuously shape graduates who are adaptive, dedicated, and impactful. With the spirit of “Kampus Digital, Kampus Berdampak” (Digital Campus, Impactful Campus), UT will continue to provide inclusive higher education, transcending geographical, social, and generational boundaries. 

What steps will you take to apply the “Impactful Campus” spirit in your own endeavors?