Palmerah, March 17, 2025 – The Rector Search Committee (PPR) of Universitas Terbuka (UT) continues to intensify its socialization efforts in the search for a new leader for the 2025-2030 period. One of its strategic steps is conducting a podcast through the Tribunnews platform at its Palmerah studio. This initiative aims to reach a wider audience and attract the best candidates to become the ‘star’ who will lead UT into the future.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (MWA) of UT, Prof. Ainun Na’im, Ph.D., and the Chairman of the UT Rector Search Committee, Prof. Dr. Paulina Pannen, M.Ls. Also accompanying them were Dr. Ake Wihadanto, M.T. as Secretary of the MWA and Dr. Zainur Hidayah, S.Pi. M.M. – a member of the Rector Search Committee. Their presence was directly welcomed by the General Manager of Tribunnews, Yulis Sulistyawan, who expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration.
Socializing the Search for a Visionary Leader for UT
In an exclusive podcast recording session at Tribunnews, Prof. Ainun Naim and Prof. Dr. Paulina Pannen served as resource persons for the rector search socialization. Prof. Paulina Pannen emphasized during the session that the UT rector search process is being conducted openly and transparently. She also stressed that UT needs a visionary, innovative leader who is able to adapt to changes in the digital education world.
“We are looking for a rector who is not only a superior academic but also a leader who can take UT as a State University with Legal Entity (PTNBH) to a higher level, both in educational innovation and global networks,” said Prof. Ainun Na’im, Ph.D., during the podcast session.
This podcast is an important communication strategy to reach various groups, including academics, professionals, and the general public who have an interest and competence in higher education. With the synergy between UT and Tribunnews, information about the rector search can be disseminated more widely.
Criteria for the Sought-After ‘Star’
Prof. Paulina Pannen affirmed that the desired rector candidate must possess:
- Capabilities in facing the challenges of the digital era.
- The ability to build global networks.
- Managerial skills in managing a PTTJJ (Open and Distance Higher Education) university with the largest number of students in Indonesia.
According to Prof. Ainun Na’im, Ph.D., as a PTNBH, UT faces various challenges, including in:
- Transparent and sustainable financial management.
- Development of technology-based innovation.
- Increasing social impact and benefits for the community.
- Building international collaborations for global competitiveness.
Therefore, the Chairman of the UT MWA conveyed that this rector search is not just about choosing an academic leader, but an innovative figure capable of leading UT into a new era of higher education and producing outcomes in the form of competent and highly competitive human resources.
“UT not only needs an academic, but also an innovator who has managerial and multitasking abilities, understands the business world of education, and can build a strong and competitive PTNBH ecosystem,” added Prof. Ainun Na’im, Ph.D.
Public Participation in the Selection Process
The Rector Search Committee invites the public to participate in overseeing and contributing to this selection process. With transparency and open information, it is hoped that UT can find the best leader who will lead UT for the next five years.
“We invite all parties who feel they have a great vision for UT, whether from academics, practitioners, or professionals in the field of higher education, to register. UT needs a star who can bring change and take UT to a higher level,” said Prof. Paulina Pannen.
The selection process is still ongoing, and various stages will continue to be informed openly so that the public can follow the latest developments. This exclusive podcast on Tribunnews is an initial step for a broader discussion about the future of UT and the leader who will helm it.
Interested in becoming the next leader of UT? Here is complete information: https://carirektor.ut.ac.id/.
Account registration & submit application: https://carirektor.ut.ac.id/auth/register
Phases of the UT Rector Search 2025-2030 (Per MWA No 1 Tahun 2025):
| Phase | Activity | Date |
| Opening | Socialization | 14 February 2025 |
| Registration | 1 March – 22 April 2025 | |
| Candidate Announcement | 26 May 2025 | |
| Filtering | Fit and Proper Test | 27 May – 4 June 2025 |
| Presentation | 10 – 13 June 2025 | |
| Announcement of FInal Candidates | 16 June 2025 | |
| Selection | Selection of Chosen Rector | 9 July 2025 |
| Inauguration | Inauguration of New Rector | 25 August 2025 |
