Approaching its fourth decade, Universitas Terbuka (UT) has become a pioneer in open and distance learning (ODL). Consistently and steadfastly contributing to the world of education, particularly in Indonesia, UT has faced various challenges and obstacles in its journey to establish a quality higher education service without boundaries through the ODL system. UT is required to be resilient and adaptable to the times by innovating to provide learning services based on digital technology.
To mark UT’s long journey and struggle in providing high-quality, technology-based higher education without boundaries for the whole society and nation, UT organizes the National Scientific Discussion, Sports, and Arts Week of Universitas Terbuka 2024 (Disporseni Nasional UT 2024), a necessary activity for student character development. This activity, which is an obligation of all universities, aims not only to improve student achievements in scientific, sports, and arts fields but also to discover talents, interests, and creativity. Disporseni Nasional is part of the series of activities for UT’s 40th Dies Natalis, taking place from May to September 2024. Disporseni Nasional UT 2024 includes 13 competitions and sport categories, one of which is the Basketball Tournament.
On Monday, July 22, 2024, UT proudly announced the opening of the UT 2024 National 3×3 Basketball Tournament for high school/vocational/equivalent students as part of the Disporseni Nasional UT 2024 series. The National 3×3 Basketball Tournament, held from July 22 to 25, 2024, took place at the Basketball Court, UT Central Office, Pondok Cabe, Tangerang Selatan. This National Basketball Championship was attended by several representatives from various regions in Indonesia, with 20 boys’ teams and 15 girls’ teams. The opening of the Basketball Tournament was attended by the Rector of UT, Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D., the Chair of the UT Board of Trustees, the Chair of the University Academic Senate (SAU), the UT Vice Rectors, and other UT higher-ups. The event was also attended by the Head of the Refereeing Division of the Indonesian Basketball Association (Perbasi) Tangerang Selatan, Bayu Jati Kusumo, and UT’s partners.
The opening of the Basketball Tournament began with a report on activities by the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UT, Dr. Meirani Harsasi, S.E., M.Si., as the Head of the Disporseni Nasional UT 2024. In her presentation, she expressed her hope that Disporseni Nasional UT 2024 would introduce UT to the broader public. Additionally, through the Basketball Tournament, it is expected to enhance sportsmanship and harmony amongst all basketball participants. Dr. Meirani also extended her deepest appreciation and thanks to all parties who supported the continuity and smoothness of the Basketball Tournament.
This was followed by remarks and the official opening of the 2024 National Basketball Tournament by UT Rector, Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D. In his remarks, Prof. Ojat emphasized that the theme of Disporseni Nasional UT 2024 is “Harmony in Sportsmanship, Creativity, and Intellectuality.”
“The Opening Ceremony of the 3×3 Basketball Tournament, part of the DISPORSENI Nasional UT 2024 series, aims to test the physical abilities and strategies of the players but also requires solid teamwork and high fighting spirit,” he said.
“Remember that true victory is when we can play with fair play and make each game a valuable experience for learning and growth,” added Prof. Ojat.
The Rector’s speech also marked the official opening of the UT 2024 Basketball Tournament. As a symbol of the event’s opening, the UT Rector and the Dean of FEB performed a free throw, symbolizing that the UT 2024 Basketball Tournament was officially open and ready to commence.
At the same event, the Head of the Refereeing Division of PERBASI Tangerang Selatan, Bayu Jati Kusumo, stated that many sports events produce national athletes, one of which is basketball. He also mentioned that Disporseni Nasional Universitas Terbuka is an event for talent scouting, especially involving high school students.
“We are very pleased with the organization of the Basketball Tournament in this Disporseni. The number of matches will significantly impact the development of our young athletes’ achievements,” concluded Bayu.
“Indonesia won its first gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games. This is partly due to the development from the grassroots level, including through organizing basketball competitions by universities and schools as an effort to support national basketball achievements,” he added.
The Head of the Refereeing Division of PERBASI Tangsel is confident that within the next five years, the young athletes competing in the Basketball Tournament at Disporseni UT will become talented national athletes.
In line with the theme of Disporseni Nasional UT 2024, it is hoped that the spirit of the young athletes in the UT 2024 Basketball Tournament will reflect the values upheld in education and sports and encourage harmonious integration among participants. The UT 2024 3×3 Basketball Competition at the high school/vocational/equivalent national level is not only about finding winners but also about promoting a healthy sportsmanship spirit, creativity in game strategy, and recognizing athletes’ intellectuality in facing competitive challenges.
