MAKASSAR — For some people, pursuing higher education means having to choose between continuing their studies and staying committed to their existing jobs and activities. However, the choice does not always have to be one or the other. This is where Universitas Terbuka (UT) is seen as offering an education model that gives people greater flexibility to continue learning while pursuing their professional activities.

This view was expressed by the Chair of the Professors Council of Universitas Negeri Makassar (UNM), Prof. Dr. Jasruddin Daud Malago, M.Si., when he served as a speaker at the New Student Study Orientation (OSMB) and Distance Learning Skills Training (PKBJJ) for new students registered for the 2026/2027 Odd Semester at the UT Makassar Office on Saturday (Aug. 22, 2026).

According to Prof. Jasruddin, the flexibility offered by UT is increasingly relevant to the changing and dynamic nature of the workforce. A person does not always pursue a career in the same field as their previous studies. Therefore, opportunities to continue education flexibly are important, both for fresh graduates and those who are already working.

“In my opinion, it is very appropriate that the government has opened opportunities and established regulations allowing UT to also accept fresh graduates,” Prof. Jasruddin said.

He said that a person’s educational and career journeys do not always have to follow the same path. Interests, experience, competencies, and the needs of the labor market can lead someone to choose a new direction in their career.

“The study program can be A, while the passion is B. So, if someone works in a field that is different from what they studied in their undergraduate program, that is neither wrong nor a problem,” he said.

In this context, Prof. Jasruddin sees UT as an alternative for people who want to improve their competencies without having to stop the professional activities they are currently pursuing.

“UT is allowed to accept people who are already working. Rather than going to college in a field that does not match their circumstances, UT can be a solution,” he said.

Despite offering flexibility, the distance learning system does not mean students can study without commitment. Distance education requires time-management skills, discipline, motivation, and independence in learning. Students are expected to manage their learning routines so that the freedom they have does not become an obstacle to completing their education.

Appreciation for UT’s role also came from the Provincial Government of Sulawesi Selatan. Representing the provincial government, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Jufri said UT has become one of the gateways expanding people’s opportunities to pursue higher education while improving the quality of human resources.

“Welcome to Universitas Terbuka. This is an educational gateway that will train and develop students’ competencies so they can become a future generation ready to serve as quality professionals in various areas of life,” he said.

He hoped UT students would not stop at academic achievement alone, but would be able to use the knowledge and competencies they gain to create a real impact on the development of Sulawesi Selatan and Indonesia. This spirit is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education and lifelong learning opportunities.

Meanwhile, Director of UT Makassar Prof. Dr. H. Abdul Rahman Rahim, S.E., M.M., said OSMB is an important stage in helping new students understand the characteristics of distance education while building their readiness from the beginning of their studies. Students are introduced to academic mechanisms, student services, distance learning systems, and various supporting facilities.

The OSMB held on Saturday was followed by PKBJJ on Sunday (Aug. 23, 2026) for several areas served by UT Makassar.

The series of activities serves as a reminder that higher education does not always have to take place through face-to-face meetings with fixed schedules. At UT Makassar, learning opportunities are opened more widely, so that work can continue, life can keep moving, and the dream of pursuing higher education does not have to come to a stop along the way.