Graduation is a joyful moment for graduates after years of dedication to completing their studies. This sentiment is also shared by the graduates of Universitas Terbuka (UT), who find pride in receiving their degrees and congratulations from university leaders. On November 28, 2023, at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC), UT Central Office, Pondok Cabe, Tangerang Selatan, the Graduation Ceremony for Period I Region 2 Academic Year 2023/2024 took place. Graduates from various regions in Indonesia attended the ceremony solemnly and orderly.
The ceremony at Central UT was attended by 2,064 graduates from Doctoral, Master, Bachelor, Diploma, and Teacher Education Program (PPG) In Office (Daljab) for the 4th Period of 2023. The graduation and establishment of PPG graduates began with an opening statement by the Rector, Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus, Ph.D. The decree of graduation was then read by the Director of Academic Administration & Graduation, Firmansyah, S.Kom., M.M. The awaited sacred moment took place simultaneously for all graduates, symbolized by the replacement of tali toga, signifying that students have graduated, and they are ready to contribute to the community.
The event continued with a speech by the Rector, congratulating the graduates for successfully completing their studies as independent learners who surpassed in long-distance learning (PJJ) at UT. “Your persistence and dedication in overcoming all challenges during your studies have become a sweet happiness as a graduate. You are all multitasking individuals, balancing responsibilities between coursework, family, work, and social life,” stated Prof. Ojat. He then highlighted UT advantages, including its flexible online learning system, affordable tuition fees, and the accessibility of UT to anyone or anywhere. “UT is highly accessible to anyone who wants to pursue higher education without having to visit the campus. Instead, UT comes to your doorstep,” said the Rector. Thanks to its flexible online learning method, UT is now attracting many people, as the rector said, “The number of active students at UT in the 2023 odd semester is so massive, most of whom are young, including millennials and Generation Zs. Continued The rector, “For that reason, do not say that you are millennials if you still study at a conventional campus.” stated casually.
The long-distance learning system at UT is truly flexible for individuals with limited time, but the quality of education at UT is unquestionable. Many UT students have achieved remarkable achievement, as emphasized by Dr. Mohamad Yunus, M.A., Deputy Rector for Academic Affairs, in the reading of the Rector’s Decree on Honor Graduates for Period I Region II Academic Year 2023/2024 and the Rector’s Decree on the Best Graduates for Period I Academic Year 2023/2024.
During the graduation ceremony on November 28, 2023, the best graduate with honors was announced, namely Rifqi Pratama (Diploma Program D-III, NIM 041794876), from UT Tarakan with a major in D-III Taxation study program, graduating with a GPA of 3.90. Additionally, two honorary graduates were announced:
1. Dr. Maidi, S.H., M.M., M.Pd. (Mayor of Madiun), the first doctoral graduate of UT, completed his studies in S3 Public Administration program.
2. Agustina Hermanto, S.Kom., S.H., M.H., commonly known as Tina Toon, a member of the Jakarta Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD DKI) and a national celebrity at the same time, graduated from the S1 Law program.
Honorary graduate at UT refers to public figures considered to have inspired and positively impacted society through their association with UT. What is interesting is the reasons and impressions of Mayor Maidi, also a council member and celebrity, regarding his decision to study at UT, as well as how he managed his time in the middle of his busy schedule as a public figure.
Concerning his decision to continue studying, Mayor Maidi expressed his principle of the importance of lifelong learning, emphasizing the role of knowledge in facing progress and changes in society. “Since being sworn in as a mayor, I immediately enrolled in the UT Postgraduate Program. Guidance and consultation during my studies at UT helped me make decisions regarding policy practices while in charge. Madiun City progressed as my studies, earning a total of 320 awards to date,” stated Mayor Maidi.
Regarding the choice of UT, he mentioned that it was not only due to its affordable costs but also because UT is very accessible to anyone who wants to pursue higher education but has limitations in terms of distance, time, and age. “Anyone, anytime, anywhere, at any age can study at UT. Even I, who is at that age and busy with the mayor’s duty, could get the same opportunity to study for a doctorate and complete it on time,” said that Madiun Mayor. He emphasized the importance of consultations in completing his studies on time
Related to the quality of UT, Mayor Maidi firmly stated, “Studying at UT requires effort and is not easy due to its quality learning system. UT does not compromise on standardized learning processes. I even had to retake a course due to participation issues,” he explained.
Once again, Mayor Maidi highlighted how UT provided him with consultations on public policy and law. “Although I have now graduated from the doctoral program in Public Administration, I request permission to have consultations with UT professors. When making decisions that require theoretical studies, I will consult with UT lecturers. All for the progress of Indonesia, especially Madiun City,” expressed Mayor Maidi.
He concluded his speech by giving thanks to UT, acknowledging its greatness, and expressing his hope that his dissertation would benefit several cities in Indonesia. He encouraged fellow alumni to keep learning throughout life, expressing pride in his experience at UT during his doctoral studies in Public Administration as a Legal Entity Higher Education Institution (PTNBH). Mayor Maidi found his time at UT enjoyable, from matriculation, tutorials to exams and open exams. All the normative-empirical concepts, program services, and guidance from mentors were proudly impressive.
However, the second honorary graduate, Bu Agustina, also known as Tina Toon, thanked UT for completing her Bachelor of Law studies. In her speech, she emphasized UT flexibility, allowing students to study anytime, anywhere, regardless of age. “Learning has no time limit and does not recognize age. UT is here for those with limited time and distance, in line with this graduation theme, ‘Bergerak Melayani Bangsa Bersama UT PTNBH’,” said Tina Toon.
From the speeches of these two honorary graduates, it can be concluded, especially for those with time and distance constraints, UT is the right choice for education. With UT flexible distance learning method, based on online learning, UT is suitable for working people seeking to enhance their qualifications and competencies through higher education.
Speaking of competency enhancement, this graduation also highlighted another interesting aspect. It was the inauguration of the first graduates of the PPG program. Thus, on November 28, 2023, UT marked the initiation of two flagship programs, besides the doctoral and PPG programs. Starting this year, UT has been mandated to organize Professional Teacher Education (PPG) In Office (Daljab) and Pre-Service (Prajab). The current number of PPG Daljab graduates is 83, and 32 of them attended the Graduation Ceremony for Period I Region 2.
Another special moment in this graduation was the pledge reading by Bijaksabara Hikmawan, a student of S1 Government Science at the Faculty of Law, Social, and Political Sciences (FHISIP) from UT Jakarta. Besides being a renowned digital marketing talent at the Marketing and Cooperation Directorate of UT Jakarta, Bijaksbara is the first UT student to receive an Awardee at Korea University in the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) 2022.
Congratulations to the graduates who worked hard to complete their studies and earned their degrees. May their future careers be even brighter and more successful. May the graduates continue to make UT proud and uphold their beloved alma mater. Best wishes as they step into a new chapter, contributing to the community with ongoing innovation and creativity for the benefit of their surroundings. As expressed by the Rector, UT mission is not only to create successful and accomplished individuals in academia but also individuals who can thrive in society.
In the future, may the graduates who have been certified prove themselves as outstanding generations for the progress of society, the nation, and the advancement of Indonesia.
