Universitas Terbuka (UT) marked a historical moment on Thursday, 16 January 2025, with the inauguration of Dr. Mohamad Yunus, S.S., M.A., as the Rector of UT for the remaining period of 2021-2025. The event was held at UT Convention Center (UTCC), Tangerang Selatan, and live on UTTV YouTube Channel. The event was attended by UT’s higher-ups, including the head and members of Board of Trustees, head and members of the Academic Senate, Vice Rectors and other leaders of UT Head Office and UT Regions. Dr. Beny Bandanadjaja, S.T., M.T., from The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, was also present, alongside UT’s strategic partners. 

The event began with the reading of the Board of Trustees’ Decree No. 1 of 2025 regarding the Adjournment and Inauguration of The Rector of Universitas Terbuka Period of 2021-2025, delivered by the Secretary of UT Board of Trustees, Dr. Ake Wihadanto, S.E., M.T., Based on that decree, UT points Dr. Mohamad Yunus, S.S., M.A., as the rector of UT for the remaining period, continuing the service of Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D. 

The event continued with the reading of the inauguration script by the Head of Board of Trustees, Prof. Ainun Na’im, Ph.D., followed by the oath of service by Head of Board of Trustees and chosen Rector, witnessed by clergies. Then, the embedding of UT badge by the Head of Board of Trustees to the chosen Rector, signing of the Handover papers and Memorandum of End of Service from old Rector to new Rector. 

In his remarks, Prof. Ainun expressed his appreciation towards Prof. Ojat’s dedication during his time as UT Rector and congratulates him for his new duty as a Deputy at Kemenko PMK. Prof. Ainun Also congratulated Dr. Mohamad Yunus as the new Rector. He hopes that in his leadership, UT will continue to give higher education service with better quality, strengthening the commitment between Board of Trustees and UT. 

Prof. Ainun also stated that this is a transition period with changes in regulations that’s needed to be followed. He emphasized the importance of innovation and creativity from universities in facing challenges and growing changes. He stated that regulation changes require courage to try new things and turn challenges into opportunities. By doing so, UT can give the best quality service for higher education. 

Dr. Mohamad Yunus, S.S., M.A. in his remarks after the inauguration, expressed his gratitude and commitment towards this duty with the responsibility of preparing and realizing strategic programs in the future. He presented a few strategic priorities to be implemented, including the new curriculum that will be launched shortly, in which the preparation needs to be consolidated at every UT unit. The next is the strengthening of human resource competence at UT, especially lecturers that require competence in their respective fields of study. In addition, Dr. Mohamad Yunus also emphasized the importance of IT development at UT to support the learning process. 

By focusing on these main tasks, Dr. Mohamad Yunus is optimistic that UT will solidify its position as a leading university not only on the national scale, but also globally. “We are committed to continue increasing the quality of education at UT, so we could give a quality higher education access for every part of society, without limits.” said Dr. Mohamad Yunus. 

This inauguration is hoped to be a turning point for UT to keep improving in proving trust as a university giving opportunities for anyone to access quality education, without the limits of geographic or economic factors. With new spirits under Dr. Mohamad Yunus’ leadership, it is hoped that UT keeps giving concrete contributions for the development of higher education in Indonesia.