A lively and cheerful atmosphere filled the lakeside area of Universitas Terbuka (UT) Central Campus in Pondok Cabe, South Tangerang, on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Staff from all units at the UT Central Office, partner banks, representatives from UT Jakarta, UT Bogor, UT Serang, IKAPEN, and the UT Women’s Association all mingled in a spectacular Fishing and Tumpeng Decoration Competition. This event, held as part of UT’s 40th Anniversary celebrations, truly radiated the spirit of togetherness and joy.
Carrying the theme “UT’s Vibrant Four Decades Towards One Million Students,” each tent and booth showcased their best creativity in decorating tumpeng (traditional Indonesian rice dishes). The event was participated in by employees from all units at UT Central Office, partner banks, UT Bogor, UT Jakarta, UT Serang, IKAPEN UT, the UT Women’s Association, and other UT partners, who all enlivened the grand event by displaying tents/booths in line with the theme. This competition is a part of UT’s 40th Anniversary series and is consistently held annually to enhance the spirit of internal unity within UT.
This activity was not only attended by UT staff but also by strategic partners such as Bank BTN, Bank BRI, Bank Mandiri, BNI, BSI, PT Pos Indonesia, BPS, KPPN Tangerang, PT Royal Express Indonesia, PT Gramedia Printing, ID Express Logistic Indonesia, PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Oxigen, 2C2P, PT Macanan Jaya Cemerlang, PT Jet Technology Express (JNT), First Logistic, KGX, Temprina, PT Jala Niaga Elok (JNE), and Sinergy First Logistic. The presence of UT’s Retiree Association (IKAPEN) and UT Alumni Association (IKA) further added to the excitement and strengthened the already well-established collaborations.
The event was made even more special by the presence of the UT Rector, Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D., along with Vice Rectors and former UT Rectors, including Prof. Dr. Atwi Suparman, M.Sc. (Rector 2001-2009) and Prof. Tian Belawati, M.Ed., Ph.D. (Rector 2009-2017). They enthusiastically toured each tent, interacted with participants, and added to the vibrant atmosphere with warm jokes and group photos.
The event began with a report by Dr. Subekti Nurmawati, M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology and Head of the UT 40th Dies Natalis. She expressed gratitude for the smooth running of the event, which would peak on September 4, 2024. The event continued with a speech from UT Rector Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D., who expressed his appreciation to the committee for their hard work in making the event a success. He also thanked all partners for taking the time to attend and fully support UT during the 40th Anniversary series.
Prof. Ojat also emphasized that the competition leading up to the peak celebration at UT Lake is a meaningful tradition, serving as a platform to strengthen the family bonds among the entire UT community and its partners. Following the Rector’s speech, the event continued with a prayer led by Dr. Syaeful Mikdar, M.Pd., for the smooth running of the event and blessings for UT and all its employees.
The opening ceremony was marked by the symbolic release of 15 super fish, each weighing 5 kilograms, into the lake by the Rector, Vice Rectors, and partner representatives. This celebration strengthened the camaraderie among UT staff and their partners. “This event is not just about competition, but more about fostering friendships and family spirit,” said Prof. Ojat. The largest super fish, weighing 5.2 kg, was released by the Rector, while other 3 kg fish were released by the Vice Rectors, the Anniversary Committee Chair, and the UT National Sports and Arts Committee Chair.
The Fishing and Tumpeng Decoration Competition will be one of the highlights anticipated at the peak of UT’s 40th Anniversary celebration on September 4, 2024, when the winners will be announced. This event is a true testament that UT is not only focused on its mission to educate the nation but also on building togetherness and strengthening solidarity among all its members. As UT reaches a more mature age, it continues to move forward with a new spirit in carrying out the noble mission of enlightening the nation.
