A warm atmosphere enveloped El Tari Airport, Kupang, on Sunday morning (September 21, 2025). The Rector of Universitas Terbuka (UT) for the 2025–2030 period, Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto, S.E., M.Si., arrived with his wife and was immediately greeted with great hospitality by the staff of UT Kupang and representatives of the local media.
The plane carrying Prof. Ali landed at around 6:00 AM Central Indonesia Time. In the arrival area, the Director of UT Kupang, Dr. Ajat Sudrajat, M.Pd., along with several university officials, were ready to welcome UT’s top official. The welcome felt even warmer with the draping of a traditional East Nusa Tenggara cloth, symbolizing respect and a welcome greeting.
The arrival of Ali Muktiyanto was not just an ordinary visit. His presence marked the beginning of a series of graduation ceremonies for Universitas Terbuka Kupang, which was scheduled for Tuesday (September 23, 2025). This moment also served as the new Rector’s first meeting with UT students and graduates in East Nusa Tenggara.
In his statement to Pos Kupang, Prof. Ali expressed his gratitude for a safe journey. “Of course, we are grateful to have landed safely at El Tari. We came here for the graduation, and there will also be a program socialization,” he said.
He emphasized that graduation should be seen as more than just an academic ceremony. For him, this moment is an important milestone for UT graduates in affirming their role in society. “I hope the graduates can participate in all the events, from the seminar to the main event next Tuesday. They must become champions in their respective regions and be an inspiration for the development and progress of their areas,” he asserted.
This UT Kupang graduation was attended by hundreds of students from various regencies and cities in East Nusa Tenggara. The presence of the Rector, who was inaugurated last August, served as an encouragement for the graduates to step into a new phase of their lives.
Besides attending the graduation, Prof. Ali was also scheduled to hold a socialization of Universitas Terbuka’s programs. This activity is expected to expand access to distance higher education, which is highly relevant for an archipelagic region like East Nusa Tenggara. With this flexible education model, UT wants to ensure that people even in remote areas still have the opportunity to get a quality higher education.
This effort aligns with UT’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially point 4 on Quality Education. Distance education paves the way for the equitable distribution of learning opportunities, reduces inequality, and strengthens the capacity of human resources in the regions.
For the people of East Nusa Tenggara, the presence of Universitas Terbuka brings new hope. The graduates are not only expected to become skilled workers but also agents of change who can drive local development. This graduation also confirms that UT serves as a bridge connecting higher education with the real needs of society.
The momentum of Prof. Ali Muktiyanto’s arrival in Kupang is not just about a change in leadership but also symbolizes a new spirit for UT in expanding access to education, empowering students, and strengthening the university’s contribution to regional development.
