Universitas Terbuka (UT), as an open and distance higher education institution, continues to expand its network of collaborations to provide access to higher education for people across Indonesia. In its commitment to implement Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi and enhance human resource competencies, UT has initiated a collaboration with Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat. As an educational institution, UT actively supports the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional customs, including the development of Javanese culture.
Therefore, on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at Sitinggil Room, Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between UT and Perkumpulan Dewan Adat (PDA) of Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat. The signatories were Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D., the Rector of UT, and Dra. GKR. Koes Moertiyah Wandansari, M.Pd. The scope of this MoU includes education, research, community service, improvement and empowerment of resources, and other mutually agreed-upon activities. Both the Keraton and UT can follow up on this MoU in the form of a Cooperation Agreement (Perjanjian Kerja Sama “PKS”).
Dra. GKR. Koes Moertiyah, M.Pd., and her husband, Dr. KPH. Edy Wirobumi, S.H., M.Hum., in a previous meeting with the UT Rector, expressed that UT is strategically significant for collaboration due to its widespread reach in higher education throughout the country and abroad. Dr. KPH. Wirobumi provided examples of collaboration, such as research and the development of knowledge in the field of culture and civilization. He stated that UT faculty could conduct research, and UT students could make scientific papers or internships as part of Kampus Merdeka program at Keraton. For instance, law students could study customary and national legal practices, while students from the Food Technology program could intern to learn about royal banquets. The Rector added that UT could provide support in the tourism sector around the Keraton because UT has a Tourism Study Program, a bachelor’s degree Program in English Literature with a Translation focus, and a bachelor’s degree Program in English Education. Students and faculty from the Tourism Study Program could research cultural traditions in Keraton environment, which is an essential asset for tourism development. Additionally, students from the English Literature and English Education programs could intern in Keraton to learn linguistics since most visitors are international tourists. Prof. Ojat emphasized UT commitment to strengthening collaborative relationships with universities and institutions as a strategic step to reinforce UT network and existence.
During the event, the Rector expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating, “This aligns with UT vision and mission, as a government higher education institution present for three main reasons: 1) to provide equal access to higher education; 2) to be a solution for the large number of high school graduates limited by the capacity of public universities; 3) to be a solution for workers who want to enhance their capabilities by continuing higher education but are constrained by time, distance, and opportunity. Prof. Ojat mentioned that with this MoU, UT presence in society will be more strongly recognized. Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto, S.E., M.Si. – Vice Rector for Finance, Resources, and General Affairs, who accompanied Prof. Ojat in the MoU event, along with KPH. Dr. Edy Wirobumi, S.H., M.Hum., also present during the occasion, served as witnesses for the MoU signing. With the signing of this MoU, Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat and UT aim to strengthen their collaboration and explore new opportunities for knowledge exchange, experiences, innovations, research, and community service, especially in the fields of culture, civilization, and customs.
Yulia Budiwati, M.Si., the Director of UT Surakarta, who accompanied the Rector during the event, stated that UT community service program (Abdimas) could be implemented in Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat environment. For example, by mobilizing the academic community to participate in Cultural Weeks and providing assistance to UMKM for the improvement of creative economies in Keraton area.
After the MoU signing, a ceremony to bestow traditional Javanese accessories called “kekancingan” took place. Dra. GKR. Koes Moertiyah Wandansari, M.Pd., as the Chairperson of Lembaga Dewan Adat (LDA) of Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat, presented kekancingan to the UT Rector, Vice Rector for Finance, Resources, and General Affairs, and the Director of UT Surakarta, who are members of Paguyuban Kawula Keraton Surakarta (Pakasa). The LDA also bestowed honorary titles upon them. Prof. Ojat received the highest title among all participants at the event, called “Santana Riya Nginggil” with the title Kanjeng Raden Arya Prof. Ojat Darojat Reksoningrat, M.Bus., Ph.D. Prof. Ali Muktiyanto received the title “Bupati Sepuh Anon anon” with the title Kanjeng Raden Tumenggung Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto Widyonegoro, S.E., M.Si., CRA., CRP., CRMP., CertiPSAS. Yulia Budiwati received the title “Bupati Anom” with the title Nyimas Tumenggung Dra. Yulia Budiwati Widyaningrum, M.Si. In her address, Chairwoman GKR. Koes Moertiyah emphasized to the awardees the importance of preserving our magnificent cultural heritage. “Let us together preserve and uphold our culture and customs, which are increasingly pressured by the wave of global cultures,” stated GKR. Koes Moertiyah.
