In line with the implementation of Pembelajaran Terbuka dan Jarak Jauh (PTJJ) System, Universitas Terbuka (UT) provides accessible higher education for anyone regardless of the time or place. In a commitment to reach 1 million students, UT continues to develop its Open and Distance Learning infrastructure by enhancing not only the quality of curriculum but also the teaching method and extending network collaboration with various parties, including companies and community organizations. Through inclusive approach and extensive access, UT plays a key role in closing the education gap and enhancing the education quality in general.
On February 5, 2024, at Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC), UT central office, Tangerang Selatan. UT marked a significant innovation by expanding its inclusive collaboration efforts. The event included the Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three institutions: UT with Universitas Siber Muhammadiyah, UT with Perhimpunan Advokat Indonesia (PERADI), and UT with Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI).
Moreover, the occasion also witnessed several signings f Memorandums of Agreement (MoA), including UT with BSI Maslahat, UT with SeeMeCV, Asosiasi Profesi Pendidikan Jarak Jauh (APPJJI) with Universitas Siber Muhammadiyah, FHISIP with PERADI, and FHISIP with IKADIN. Another remarkable thing, UT introduced the inclusive and collaborative innovation to launch Professional Legal Education or “Pendidikan Profesi Khusus Profesi Advokat” (PKPA) in Bahasa Indonesia. PKPA Program is a form of collaboration between FHISIP UT with PERADI and IKADIN. PKPA Program launching marked symbolically by presenting a short PKPA launching video which started by scanning hand to a display together, done by UT Rector, PERADI Chairperson, IKADIN Chairperson, and Dean of FHISIP UT.
The event, including MoUs (Memorandum of Understanding), MoAs, and the launching of the PKPA program, was attended by various dignitaries such as Prof. Dr. Otto Hasibuan, S.H., M.M. – Chairman of the Central Leadership Council of the Indonesian Advocates Association (DPN PERADI), Dr. Adardam Achyar, S.H., M.H. – Chairman of the Central Management Board of the Indonesian Advocates Association (DPP IKADIN), Nendy Fernandy – Head of Commercial, SeeMeCV Indonesia, Dr. H. Hermansyah Dulaimi, S.H., M.H. – Secretary-General of the National Leadership Council of the Indonesian Advocates Association (DPN PERADI), Rivai Kusumanegara, S.H., M.H. – Secretary-General of the National Leadership Council of the Indonesian Advocates Association (DPP IKADIN).
The collaboration areas with various entities include MoU between UT and Universitas Siber Muhammadiyah concerning the enhancing of the implementation quality of Tridharma Perguruan Tinggi, UT and Bank Syariah Indonesia which is not only related to the implementation quality of Tridharma but also the Utilization of Banking Services and Sharia Banking Products, UT and SeeMeCV Concerning Cloud Order Schedule Universitas Terbuka – Educator Career Connect Portal, UT and Perhimpunan Advokat Indonesia concerning the Synergy of Tridharma Perguruan Tinggi in the Legal Field.
While the scope of the collaboration between UT and PERADI and IKADIN is regarding the Synergy of Tridharma Perguruan Tinggi in the Legal Field, PKS UT with BSI Maslahat regarding awarding of BSI Scholarship affirmation 2024-2028 for Undergraduate Students (S1), and the scope of the Implementation Arrangement (IA) between UT, PERADI, and IKADIN related to the Implementation of Professional Education specifically for advocates.
On this occasion, the guest list from Muhammadiyah Cyber University included Dr. Ir. Bambang Riyanta, S.T., M.T. – Chancellor; Wicaksono Yuli Sulistyo, M.Kom.- Kabiro Penmaru, Agniya Thahira, S.M., M.M.- PBJJ Choir, Nabela Putri Yanuari, S.KM., M.KM. – LPPM Community Service Coordinator, Amalina Nur Arifah, S.E., M.Sc. -Domestic Cooperation Team, Afriansyah Tanjung, S.H., M.Kn.- Head of the International Affairs Office, Muhamad Rosidin, M.Kom. – Head of Information Systems PJJ Undergraduate Study Program, Muhammad Fauzan Gusatfi, M.Kom. – Immersive Development Team, Henry Ardian Irianta, S.T. – LPPM Journal, Putra Nanda Kurniawan, S.T. – Head office.
Meanwhile, guests from BSI included Saladin Dharmanugraha Effendi – IT Director of PT Bank Syariah Indonesia, Adjat Djatnika Basarah – RCEO Region 5 Jakarta 2, Sukoriyanto – Saputro Executive Director of BSI Maslahat, Bayu Isnandar – IT Strategic Planning Group Head. On this occasion, the APPJJI group was also present, the chairman of which was Muhammad Husni Arifin, S.Ag., M.Si., Ph.D. who is also the Dean of FHISIP UT.
In the welcoming speech and press conference, UT Rector, Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D. emphasized the importance of collaboration for UT in reinforcing the quality of inclusive and accessible Distance Education to various layers of society, in line with UT mission to reach 1 million active students which also confirmed by BSI and BSI maslahat awarding scholarship to help the students. Additionally, Universitas SiberMu stated the importance of Pendidikan Tinggi Terbuka dan Jarak Jauh (PTJJ) for the improvement of people’s education quality.
This expansion of partnerships is truly worthwhile for the advancement of knowledge, strengthening the institution, and Human Resource in society. By signing these MoUs, the existence of UT is more tangible in the middle of society. These collaborations are convenient with UT vision and mission, regarding its known that UT, higher education institution was established by the government to come up as a solution for the goal of equal access to higher education, the education choice for the high school graduates seeing the capacity of conventional PTN is limited, and the accessible education for workers dealing with distance, time, and occasion.
