BLORA — Pursuing higher education while managing a busy work schedule is no longer difficult to achieve. For teachers, civil servants, and members of the public facing time and distance constraints, distance learning provides an opportunity to continue their studies without having to leave their jobs or everyday responsibilities. Through this system, Universitas Terbuka (UT) offers a more flexible higher education option that reaches a wider segment of society.
To support broader access to higher education, the Government of Kabupaten Blora has once again extended its partnership with Universitas Terbuka (UT) Semarang for the next five years. This collaboration forms part of the local government’s efforts to improve human resource quality through the implementation of the Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tridharma Perguruan Tinggi). The agreement was signed on Saturday (October 24, 2026), at the Meeting Room of the Regional Secretariat of Kabupaten Blora, continuing a partnership that was first established on May 5, 2021.
The partnership targets teachers, educational staff, civil servants (ASN), non-civil servant employees, and members of the general public who wish to pursue further education. Through the open and distance education system, people have an alternative way to pursue higher education while adapting their learning activities to their work and daily responsibilities.
Blora Regent Arief Rohman stated that UT provides extensive opportunities for the community to pursue higher education. These opportunities are also important for teachers who wish to improve their academic qualifications without having to leave their teaching responsibilities.
For example, teachers enrolled in the Primary School Teacher Education (PGSD) or Early Childhood Education Teacher Education (PG PAUD) programs can take advantage of UT’s learning system to continue their studies while carrying out their professional duties.
“This is a continuation of the partnership established on May 5, 2021. This is a five-year extension for the next five years, reflecting the shared commitment between UT and the Government of Kabupaten Blora,” Arief explained.
Efforts to expand learning opportunities align with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on Quality Education, particularly in promoting more inclusive access to education. Distance education can serve as an alternative for people facing time constraints or those who need to balance work and educational commitments.
Director of UT Semarang, Dr. Iqbal Miftakhul Mujtahid, stated that UT’s service facilities in Blora provide opportunities for people from various areas to access higher education.
Dr. Iqbal Miftakhul Mujtahid noted that the number of new students at the Mustika Universitas Terbuka Service Center (SALUT) and SALUT Mustika Randublatung has currently reached approximately 799. These service centers are part of UT’s efforts to bring higher education opportunities closer to communities throughout Kabupaten Blora.
“This means that young people from various areas of Kabupaten Blora can continue their education at the higher education level,” he said.
The extension of the partnership between the Government of Kabupaten Blora and UT Semarang provides a foundation for continuing educational collaboration in the region. It is hoped that more people will have opportunities to develop their competencies and improve their educational qualifications without having to choose between pursuing higher education and fulfilling their everyday responsibilities.
