Tangerang Selatan — Universitas Terbuka (UT) Jakarta once again made history by conferring degrees upon 1,383 graduates in a Regional Graduation Ceremony held at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC), Pondok Cabe. Carrying the theme “The Transformation of Future Higher Education: Innovation and Adaptation Strategy to Produce Excellent Human Resources for Competitive and Impactful Graduates,” the event reinforced UT’s role as a pioneer of distance education that produces an excellent, adaptive, and globally competitive generation. 

The solemn graduation ceremony took place from the morning, attended by UT leadership, including Prof. Dr. Paken Pandiangan, S.Si., M.Si., Vice Rector for Information Systems and Student Affairs, representing the Rector of UT. Also present were Dr. Meirani Harsasi, S.E., M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business; Ir. Edward Zubir, M.M., Director of UT Jakarta; and the representative of the Jakarta Special Capital Region Provincial Education Office, Indra Ariesto, S.STP., M.Si. 

Four top graduates received special appreciation for their academic achievements: 

• Arsita Nurfauziah (Information Systems Study Program, GPA 3.91) 

• Luluk Munazilah (Early Childhood Teacher Education Study Program – PGPAUD, GPA 3.87) 

• Siti Rohmah Yanti (Public Financial Accounting Study Program, GPA 3.73) 

• Keisha Huwaida (Law Study Program, GPA 3.72) 

The Director of UT Jakarta, Ir. Edward Zubir, M.M., affirmed that the flexibility of the open and distance education system allows students to balance career and study. “Through the flexibility we provide, students can attend college while working. Upon graduation, they bring not only a degree but also relevant skills to advance their careers and contribute to society,” he said. 

Echoing the Rector’s message, the Vice Rector for System and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Paken Pandiangan, stated that UT graduates have been formed into adaptive and innovative individuals. “The transformation of higher education is not just about technology, but also about producing graduates with character—honest, disciplined, and socially aware,” he asserted. He added that the distance learning system applied by UT demands self-reliance and resilience in adaptation—two qualities that are now key to success in the modern world of work. 

The graduation procession was lively, featuring a series of activities from the conferral of degrees to the handover of alumni to the UT Jakarta Alumni Association. The atmosphere was further enhanced by cultural performances such as the traditional Betawi dance Kembang Kemayoran and the UT Jakarta Choir Club, which added vibrancy to this historic moment. 

To date, Universitas Terbuka has graduated over one million alumni and achieved a record from the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI) as the university with the largest number of graduates in Indonesia. This achievement is tangible proof of UT’s contribution to expanding access to quality and equitable education for all Indonesian people. 

As the 45th State University in Indonesia and a pioneer of the Cyber University concept, UT remains committed to providing inclusive and sustainable higher education. With its open and distance learning system, UT supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, and promotes equality of learning opportunities without limits of age, profession, or location. 

Through this innovative approach, UT Jakarta proves itself to be an institution that not only produces excellent academic graduates but is also ready to become an agent of change amidst global challenges. The graduates are expected to carry the spirit of self-reliance and lifelong learning as a concrete contribution to the nation and the world.