TANGERANG SELATAN – For many Universitas Terbuka (UT) students, the journey to graduation has been anything but easy. Many have balanced their studies with full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and public service careers. As they prepare to don their graduation gowns, they carry with them more than just a degree, they also bring the mindset, adaptability, and integrity needed to navigate an ever-changing world.
That spirit was at the heart of the Universitas Terbuka Graduation Seminar for the 2025/2026 Even Semester Academic Year, themed “Shaping an Innovative, Ethical, and Globally Competitive Generation,” held at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC) on Monday (July 27). Approximately 1,700 prospective graduates from across Indonesia attended the seminar, which featured Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections of the Republic of Indonesia Prof. Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Ternate Mayor Dr. H. M. Tauhid Soleman, and several strategic partners who shared insights and inspiration ahead of the graduation ceremony.
In his keynote address, Prof. Yusril commended UT students for successfully completing their studies through an independent learning system while managing various personal and professional commitments. He noted that their achievement demonstrates how perseverance and a lifelong willingness to learn are essential assets for facing the future.
He reminded participants that graduation should not be viewed as the end of the learning journey. Instead, every graduate must continue expanding their knowledge, as advances in science and technology will continue to present new challenges.
“It is important to deepen our knowledge in order to face today’s challenges and those of the future. I remind graduates that knowledge will continue to evolve alongside the progress of human civilization. We cannot assume that once we graduate today, our learning or education has come to an end,” said Prof. Yusril.
According to him, the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has created tremendous opportunities for humanity, but it has also introduced new challenges, particularly in maintaining ethics, legal compliance, and honesty. Therefore, AI should be used as a tool that supports human capabilities rather than replacing the values that form the foundation of society.
“We must harness the advancement of Artificial Intelligence for our own benefit while carefully considering the ethical and legal boundaries that should guide us. We must not fall into the misuse of Artificial Intelligence that compromises personal data, breaches confidentiality, undermines our culture, or facilitates plagiarism,” he emphasized.
His perspective aligns with UT’s commitment to developing technology-enhanced learning. UT Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto emphasized that AI should serve as a tool to make learning more effective and efficient, but its use must always be guided by ethical and moral principles.
“In this era of rapid technological development, AI should remain a tool, a medium that helps us work and learn more effectively. Above all else, ethics and morality must remain our guiding principles, serving as the benchmark that governs all our activities so that we do not cross the boundaries of what is appropriate,” said Prof. Ali.
The Rector also encouraged prospective graduates to view graduation as the beginning of a new journey dedicated to serving society. He explained that UT’s extended community, now numbering around 20 million people, including students, alumni, and students’ families, represents a powerful force for community empowerment. This commitment is reflected in various initiatives, including a collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry that encourages new students and alumni to plant productive trees in their communities as a contribution to environmental sustainability. The initiative also reflects UT’s commitment to delivering high-quality higher education that creates meaningful social impact.
Complementing these perspectives, Ternate Mayor Dr. H. M. Tauhid Soleman encouraged prospective graduates to become creators of value rather than merely job seekers. Drawing on his own experience of studying while working, he praised UT students for successfully balancing multiple responsibilities throughout their academic journey. He emphasized that young people must continue to innovate by leveraging regional strengths, from the creative economy and technology to the maritime sector, while preserving their identity as Indonesians.
He concluded his remarks with a simple yet powerful message, encouraging every graduate to “remain rooted in local wisdom while thinking globally.” The statement serves as a reminder that global competitiveness becomes even stronger when it is built upon local character, culture, and regional strengths.
The spirit of building a better future was also reflected in the signing of several memorandums of understanding and cooperation agreements between UT and PT PLN (Persero), the Government of Kota Pariaman, the Government of Kota Ternate, and Baitulmaal Muamalat. The partnerships cover the strengthening of the university’s Tri Dharma missions, human resource development, community empowerment, and the implementation of the Muamalat Benevolence Undergraduate Scholarship Program 2025, expanding access to inclusive and high-quality higher education.
The seminar also featured inspiring stories from prospective graduates, including the oldest graduate, twin siblings who completed their studies together, and a married couple graduating on the same occasion. Their diverse journeys highlighted that every path toward earning a university degree is marked by unique challenges, sacrifices, and aspirations.
The UT Graduation Seminar underscored that earning a bachelor’s degree is not the finish line, but the beginning of a new chapter. In a world shaped by constant change and increasingly sophisticated technology, lifelong learning, integrity, and a commitment to serving society will remain the defining strengths of every Universitas Terbuka graduate.
