PALU — Expanding access to higher education finds its meaning when learning opportunities open pathways for people to grow and contribute. In Sulawesi Tengah, Universitas Terbuka (UT) Palu is part of this effort through educational services that reach students across various regions. This aspiration was once again highlighted during the graduation ceremony for 180 graduates on Friday (October 9, 2026).
The UT Palu Graduation Ceremony for the Odd Semester of the 2026/2027 Academic Year took place on the second floor of the UT Palu Building on Jalan Pendidikan, Kelurahan Tondo, Kecamatan Mantikulore, Kota Palu. The ceremony, which began at approximately 8:30 a.m. Central Indonesian Time, was led by UT Vice Rector for Finance, Resources, and General Affairs Dr. Adrian Sutawijaya, S.E., M.Si., who attended as the representative of the UT Rector.
Director of UT Palu Wijanarko, S.P., M.Si., expressed his appreciation to the graduates for their hard work, perseverance, and sacrifices throughout their higher education journey. He also thanked parents, families, cooperation partners, and various other parties who had supported the students’ educational journey.
In particular, Wijanarko expressed his appreciation to provincial and regency/city education department heads, school principals, tutors, and instructors who had helped facilitate student learning and examinations, both face-to-face and online. This support has played an important role in providing educational services to communities across Sulawesi Tengah.
Beyond their academic achievements, graduates are also expected to bring benefits to their workplaces and communities. Wijanarko reminded them that their degrees are not merely personal accomplishments, but also a foundation for contributing to society, the nation, and the state.
He emphasized that innovation does not always have to begin with creating something on a grand scale. Creative thinking, finding more effective ways of working, and utilizing technology to improve quality of life are also forms of innovation.
With the knowledge acquired throughout their studies, graduates are expected to develop ideas, improve work processes, and deliver solutions tailored to the challenges in their respective environments.
The graduation ceremony was enlivened by a performance of the traditional Mokambu dance and a choir performance by students from SMA Negeri 3 Palu. Setyawan Tri Utomo, a representative of students from UT’s Bachelor of Accounting Study Program, also shared his reflections and messages during the ceremony. Several officials and invited guests from various institutions attended, including representatives of the Governor of Sulawesi Tengah, Tadulako University, the Sulawesi Tengah Regional Police, Kodam XXIII/Palaka Wira, and the Mayor of Kota Palu.
Since its establishment in 1984, UT has developed an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system to provide opportunities for people to pursue further education without being restricted by time and place, including those who are already employed.
In Sulawesi Tengah, UT services are provided through the Distance Learning Program Unit (Unit Program Belajar Jarak Jauh – UPBJJ) UT Palu, which later became known as UT Palu. The development of these services was marked, among other milestones, by the inauguration of a new building on Jalan Pendidikan, Kelurahan Tondo, Kota Palu, on February 27, 2024.
As a regional service office, UT Palu provides academic and administrative support, ranging from registration and the distribution of learning materials to tutorials, examinations, and services through Universitas Terbuka Service Centers (SALUT).
Through the graduation of these 180 students, UT Palu hopes that access to higher education will lead to opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as meaningful contributions to society. Efforts to expand educational access and encourage the practical application of knowledge are in line with SDG 4 on Quality Education, which supports learning opportunities and capacity development for communities.
