Tangerang Selatan, 14 October 2025 – The world may be changing rapidly, but Universitas Terbuka’s (UT) commitment to providing quality education for all remains unwavering. Through the organization of the 7th Open Society Conference (OSC) 2025, UT once again demonstrates its role not only as an institution that opens unlimited access to learning but also as a meeting ground for ideas across nations.
Held in a hybrid format at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC) on October 14, 2025, the conference carried the theme “Collaborative Digital Transformation for Social Inclusion: Innovations, Equity, and Global Lessons.” The theme is not just a title but a strong message that digital transformation should go beyond technology — it should also embody social justice, collaboration, and shared benefit. The event featured national figure Dr. H. Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, B.B.A., M.B.A., as the keynote speaker.
This year, the OSC received 132 abstracts and 113 full papers from researchers and academics worldwide. Of these, 104 came from Indonesia, while the rest were from Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Malaysia, Ireland, and India. Out of the 113 presenters, 13 were from Universitas Mulawarman, 30 from UT, and 70 from various universities and industry institutions, including PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia.
The research topics focused on nine key areas:
- Inclusive Urban Digital Governance
- Digital Communication for Inclusive Societies
- Legal Frameworks for Inclusive Digital Transformation
- Bridging Communication Through Linguistic Diversity and Inclusion
- Business Transformation in the Digital Era
- Promoting Social Inclusion through Digital Taxation Initiatives
- Transforming Libraries and Archives for Social Inclusion
- Sustainable Uncertainty Politics in the Digital Age
- Social Community Dynamics in the Digital Age
In his opening remarks, UT Rector Prof. Ali Muktiyanto, S.E., M.Si., emphasized that the OSC is more than just an academic forum — it is a manifestation of UT’s philosophy: providing education without barriers.
“True digital transformation is one that empowers everyone, without exception. Education and technology must serve as bridges, not boundaries,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Dean of FHISIP UT, Dr. Meita Istianda, S.IP., M.Si., highlighted that global collaboration is the key to achieving equitable digital transformation.
“This conference is not merely a gathering of academics but a space where ideas and real collaborations are born — for a more inclusive and sustainable society,” she said.
A similar sentiment was shared by Dr. Nik Norliati Fitri Md Nor, Ph.D., from Universiti Sains Malaysia, who represented one of the conference’s co-hosts. She expressed her appreciation for the event’s organization and UT’s warm hospitality.
“It is an honor for me to attend The 7th OSC. This conference reflects our shared belief — that education should be open, inclusive, and accessible to everyone without limitations,” said Dr. Nik Norliati. She also added that the event serves as an inspiring platform for mutual learning, strengthening collaboration, and fostering innovations that support shared growth.
From the national perspective, Dr. Finnah Fourqoniah, S.Sos., M.Si., Dean of FISIP Universitas Mulawarman, emphasized the importance of inter-university learning spirit.
“Through this conference, we are not only presenting research but also acting as bridges between universities. The OSC provides a discussion space that strengthens cooperation between Universitas Terbuka, Universitas Mulawarman, and many others,” she explained in an online session.
The 7th OSC featured several distinguished speakers, including Prof. Dawn Mannay from Cardiff University, Prof. Dr. Liu Day-Yang from the National Taiwan University of Science & Technology, Prof. Dr. Darmanto, M.Ed. from UT, Hanna Keraf — Founder of Du Anyam, and Dr. Nik Norliati Fitri Md Nor, Ph.D. from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
The conference was organized through collaboration between UT, Universitas Mulawarman, and Universiti Sains Malaysia as co-hosts, with support from World Scientific Publishing and IDSCIPUB as international publication partners. Additional support also came from ParagonCorp, PT Gramedia, Moratelindo, Bank BTN, BRI, Mandiri, BSI, and Pos Indonesia.
Through this global academic forum, UT once again reinforces its role as an open university that not only provides access to education but also fosters an inclusive and equitable knowledge ecosystem. This commitment aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
More than just a conference, the Open Society Conference 2025 stands as a symbol that open education can be a global force for social change. Through cross-national collaboration and human-centered digital innovation, UT once again proves that education without boundaries is not just a slogan — it is a reality continually pursued.
