The Open University UK (OUUK), previously known as the United Kingdom Open University (UKOU), is the first institution to pioneer distance education. During an official trip abroad, a delegation from Universitas Terbuka (UT) and Indonesia Cyber Education (ICE) Institute, facilitated by the British Council (BC), visited OUUK’s headquarters at Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA on Tuesday, 23 May 2023. They were warmly welcomed by Rebecca Barnett, Head of the International Partnership Unit, at OUUK’s Library Building.

During the visit, the Indonesian delegation was introduced to the Accessibility for All program, which focuses on supporting people with disabilities and has been implemented intensively at OUUK. Currently, 25% of OUUK students have identified themselves as individuals with disabilities, covering a diverse array of disability types. The UK government fully supports the data collection of these students, followed by the provision of Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) to exempt them from tuition fees. The meeting also discussed how OUUK, with the assistance of the Disability Support Team (DST), continuously identifies and provides individual support to students with disabilities.

The second presentation focused on the Microcredentials program implemented by OUUK in collaboration with Future Learn, an online learning marketplace that is actively engaged with universities and consortia in the field of online learning worldwide. Since 2020, OUUK has been offering professional development microcredential programs, with 26 programs currently available and over 11,000 participants. The topics of interest include education, such as CISCO Python Programming & Online Teaching: Creating Courses for Adult Learners. The delegation learned about OUUK’s commendable practices concerning accessibility and inclusive education, and also received updates on how the UK handles students’ mental health, which is a significant concern. The working visit at OUUK concluded with a lunch provided by the host at the OUUK cafeteria.

The next agenda on the same day was a courtesy visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in London. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr. Desra Percaya, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to London, accompanied by Prof. Khairul Munadi, the Education and Cultural Attaché (Atdikbud) in London. Alongside the UT delegation’s visit, the Indonesian Embassy in London also received a visit from representatives of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK UGM) Yogyakarta, who would be organizing a symposium at Middlesex University, UK, on the following day. Prof. Tjitjik Sri Tjahjandarie, the Secretary of the Directorate General of Higher Education (SesDirJen Dikti) at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, who is also a member of UT’s Board of Trustees (MWA), attended the meeting with the UT delegation and expressed pride in Indonesian higher education institutions that are starting to engage in international collaborations through various research, staff, and student exchange programs. Prof. Tjitjik, representing the Indonesian government, expressed high expectations for the potential of Indonesian youth to develop more intensive collaborations.

The Indonesian Ambassador in London wholeheartedly supported Prof. Tjitjik’s expectations. Dr. Desra emphasized the importance of strengthening the quality and qualifications of Indonesian lecturers who are currently studying in the UK. One of the programs supported by the Indonesian Embassy in London is the Indonesia International Student Mobility Award (IISMA) due to its significant impact, and the participating students in London have shown outstanding achievements, such as engaging in social activities and fostering camaraderie among Indonesian students, in addition to fulfilling their academic responsibilities. Furthermore, the Ambassador stressed the need for attention to inclusive education for Indonesian citizens in London, including individuals with disabilities. The UT delegation felt the support from the Indonesian Embassy, as the Education and Cultural Attaché in London, through Atdikbud London, agreed to serve as an extension of UT in promoting and educating Indonesian citizens residing in the UK about distance education (PJJ). Interestingly, Atdikbud London is currently studying at UT’s Faculty of Law, Social Sciences, and Political Sciences (FHISIP) but has not been able to complete the program due to Prof. Khairul’s busy schedule. Prof. Khairul stated that his education at UT is crucial as it embodies lifelong learning, and he was inspired by his father, who is also an alumnus of UT from his early years. Be proud as a UT academic community! Keep advancing together with UT and its international partners! UT continues to advance alongside its international partners.