TANGERANG SELATAN — Dialogue is one way to foster mutual understanding and discover new perspectives. This spirit also shaped a meeting between Universitas Terbuka (UT) and representatives of Forum Studi Ilmu Hukum Universitas Terbuka – FODISUT (Universitas Terbuka Legal Studies Forum) at the Operation Room (OR) in Pondok Cabe on Friday (October 16, 2026). During the audience, UT and FODISUT discussed several student concerns, ranging from academic services and graduation procedures to aspirations for the development of legal education.
Representing the UT Rector, Vice Rector for Research, Cooperation, and Business, Dr. Hendrian, S.E., M.Si., warmly welcomed the FODISUT student representatives and opened the discussion. He emphasized that criticism and feedback are important parts of communication between students and the university, provided they are delivered constructively. “So, going forward, criticism is welcome. Please criticize us in a polite manner,” he said.
The audience was a follow-up to FODISUT’s request letter dated October 9, 2026. During the meeting, student representatives, particularly those from the Bachelor of Laws study program, presented six key areas of concern relating to graduation and academic administration, the quality of distance learning, service transparency, tuition fee policies, the protection of student rights, and a proposal to establish a Faculty of Law.
One of the topics discussed was the graduation process and academic administration. For students, understanding academic stages and procedures is an important part of planning the completion of their studies. Through this audience, student representatives had the opportunity to raise questions directly, while UT provided explanations regarding academic services and graduation procedures.
The discussion also covered the implementation of distance learning, a defining feature of UT. Tutor management and evaluation, the development of learning materials, and preparations for the reaccreditation of the Bachelor of Laws study program were among the topics addressed. In addition, students raised questions about service transparency and tuition fee policies, which were also considered during the joint discussion.
Beyond focusing on existing academic services, the audience also provided students with an opportunity to express their views on institutional development. One proposal was the establishment of a Faculty of Law at UT. This aspiration reflects students’ hopes for broader development in legal education. However, establishing a separate faculty requires further study, taking into account academic needs, institutional governance, and the regulations applicable to UT as a State University with Legal Entity (Perguruan Tinggi Negeri Badan Hukum or PTN-BH).
FODISUT Chair Bernita Matondang expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly in dialogue with UT leadership. She hoped that the various aspirations raised would be considered in efforts to improve academic services and receive clear and transparent follow-up.
The meeting was part of ongoing communication between UT and its students regarding various aspects of educational delivery. Through dialogue such as this, students can directly express their questions and perspectives, while the university gains a better understanding of their needs throughout the learning process.
Efforts to strengthen educational quality and access are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Quality Education, which promote inclusive and quality education. Meanwhile, openness in dialogue and the expression of aspirations also aligns with SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, particularly its emphasis on transparent and responsive institutional governance.
