Kupang, April 27, 2025 – Universitas Terbuka (UT) once again received an astonishing achievement. The Governor of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, gave his highest appreciation towards UT’s role as the biggest online-based state university in Indonesia, which is deemed to have generated quality graduates.
The compliment was delivered during his keynote speech in the Regional Graduation Seminar of UT Kupang Period I of The 2024/2025 Academic Year themed “UT for All: Building Golden Generation Through Inclusive and Quality Education” held in the Ballroom of Hotel Harper.
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In his remarks, Governor Melki Laka Lena expressed his admiration for UT’s flexible yet quality-assured education system. He assessed that UT’s presence is able to expand access to higher education in NTT (East Nusa Tenggara), especially for working individuals who still want to continue their studies to a higher level.
“The great thing about UT is that it provides time flexibility for working students, but the teaching quality is maintained. We in NTT will continue to encourage young people to pursue education, and I will specifically recommend UT as one of the main choices,” he said.
Governor Melki also welcomed UT’s target to increase access to education services to more than one million students, which he said would strengthen UT’s position, especially in NTT. He advised UT graduates to be bold in stepping forward and making real contributions to the development of NTT.
“Be the true color of UT, which is to be superior, impactful, and inspiring graduates. Congratulations and success to all graduates. Never hesitate to contribute ideas, thoughts, and insights for the development of NTT,” he said enthusiastically.
On the same occasion, the Rector of UT, Dr. Mohamad Yunus, S.S., M.A., stated that to date, the number of active UT students has reached 676,588, with a total of 278,342 alumni. Specifically, the number of UT Kupang students is recorded at 14,445.
“UT targets 1.5 million students in the next five years. Of all our students, 70 percent are under 30 years old, and the rest are in the age range up to 70 years. This shows how wide the reach of education at UT is, not only in Indonesia but also in 54 other countries,” explained Dr. Mohamad Yunus.
He emphasized that graduating from UT is not an easy process but rather the result of the resilience, independence, and never-give-up spirit of the students in achieving quality education.
“Graduation is not the end, but the beginning of a journey to become more independent, empowered, and proud individuals. Education changes the way we think, shapes our character, and makes us strong individuals who stand on our own feet,” he conveyed.
The seminar was also attended by the Director of UT Kupang, Dr. Ajat Sudrajat, along with his staff, representatives of regional governments from the NTT Provincial Government, Kupang City, Kupang Regency, and approximately 600 graduates from 22 regencies/cities throughout NTT.
With a strong commitment to Open and Distance Learning (PTJJ), UT continues to expand access to quality higher education to the remote corners of the country, producing graduates who are ready to build their respective regions, including NTT, which is rich in potential and development spirit.
