Tangerang Selatan, May 20, 2025 – Universitas Terbuka (UT) held a solemn ceremony to commemorate the 117th National Awakening Day (Harkitnas) offline at the Central UT campus on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The ceremony was led by the Vice Rector for Finance, Resources, and General Affairs at UT, Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto, S.E., M.Si.
This occasion served as an important reminder for the UT academic community to reaffirm the spirit of nationalism, inclusivity, and mutual cooperation—key values in facing the challenges of the digital era, as highlighted in the national theme: “Rising Together to Realize a Strong Indonesia.”
In his address, Prof. Ali Muktiyanto read the official remarks from the Minister of Communication and Digital of the Republic of Indonesia, Meutya Viada Hafid. It was conveyed that national awakening is not merely a historical event but a continuous process.
“Awakening is an ongoing endeavor. It demands us not to be trapped in past romanticism but to have the courage to answer the challenges of this era,” said Prof. Ali while reading the remarks, quoting the Minister of Communication and Digital.
It was also emphasized that Indonesia currently faces new complexities such as technological disruption, global food crises, and threats to digital sovereignty. In this context, UT, as a higher education institution based on information technology, has a strategic responsibility to prepare a nation’s generation that is adaptive and highly competitive. As a leading Open and Distance Higher Education (PTTJJ) institution, UT must be part of the national awakening by ensuring equitable and quality education access for all Indonesians.
The ceremony, held in the courtyard of the Central UT Library in Pondok Cabe, South Tangerang, proceeded solemnly and was attended by university leaders, lecturers, and educational staff from the Central UT. The ceremony followed national guidelines, beginning with the raising of the Red and White flag, a moment of silence, the recitation of Pancasila and the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution, followed by prayers and patriotic songs.
In the read speech, the Minister of Communication and Digital also touched upon several concrete steps taken by the government in the first 150 days of the Prabowo-Gibran administration. These include the free nutritious meal program for over 3.5 million Indonesian children and free health services that have reached more than 777,000 people.
“Because we believe that great awakening is built upon simple foundations. From a peaceful life, full stomachs, and generous hearts,” read one quote from the speech that garnered special attention from the ceremony participants.
As part of a higher education institution, UT is said to have an important role in supporting the development of Indonesian human beings through digital transformation and educational innovation. This aligns with the spirit of the speech that national development is not merely about large infrastructure but also about strengthening inclusive and equitable human capacity.
In closing his address, Prof. Ali expressed hope that the commemoration of Harkitnas would not just be an annual ceremony, but a moment to strengthen the collective commitment of the entire UT academic community in advancing Indonesia through education.
“Let us guard this awakening with the same spirit as the roots of a tree penetrating the earth. Slowly but surely, not always visible, yet firmly supporting life. Because in truth, the strongest awakening is one that grows slowly, is deeply rooted in humanitarian values, and bears fruit in shared justice and prosperity,” he concluded.
Happy 117th National Awakening Day!
Harkitnas is a trigger for collective movement in strengthening the nation’s capacity. Let’s move forward together, with calm but confident steps, towards a stronger, fairer, and more civilized Indonesia.
