Mamuju, May 19, 2025 – Universitas Terbuka (UT) Majene proudly held its 1st Regional Graduation Ceremony for 2025. The series of events commenced with an Academic Seminar and Alumni Gathering on Friday, May 16, 2025. Held online, the seminar, themed “Addressing West Sulawesi Development Challenges: Building Multi-sector Collaboration for Superior Human Resources and Quality Governance,” featured Dr. Syahrinullah, SE, MM, and Saddam Husain Tamrin, S.Sos, M.AP, as speakers. It was attended by graduating students, academics, and the board of the UT Majene Alumni Association (IKA). 

Empowering West Sulawesi Through Education 

During the Academic Seminar and Alumni Gathering, the Director of UT Majene stated that UT, as an open and distance higher education institution, is committed to addressing the challenges of limited educational access in regions like West Sulawesi. Through its flexible education model, UT strives to provide inclusive, quality education accessible to all segments of society, including those in remote areas with time and financial constraints. UT believes that improving human resource quality is inseparable from the role of higher education that can adapt to the dynamics of the times. Through this academic seminar, UT hopes to foster innovative, evidence-based ideas and experiences that can serve as policy references for the government and other development partners. 

The celebration continued with a Joint Healthy Exercise event by UT Majene on Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Mamuju. This event was enlivened by students, staff, alumni, the general public, and banking partners from BTN and BNI. In his speech, the Director of UT Majene stated that this event was not only a moment for strengthening family ties and closeness with students, families, partners, and the community but also for fostering solidarity among various community elements. 

Graduation Ceremony: Building a Progressive and Sustainable West Sulawesi 

The culmination of these activities was the 1st Regional Graduation Ceremony of UT Majene for 2025, held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Ballroom of the Grand Maleo Hotel and Convention, Mamuju. This special event carried the theme “Together with Universitas Terbuka, Building a Progressive, Prosperous, and Sustainable West Sulawesi.” This theme reflects UT’s commitment to producing graduates ready to actively contribute to regional development. A total of 495 graduates from various study programs were honored at this ceremony: 5 Master’s (S2) graduates, 120 from the Faculty of Law, Social, and Political Sciences (FHISIP), 156 from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), 96 from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), 8 from the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), and 110 from the Teacher Professional Education Program (PPG). 

The 1st Regional Graduation Ceremony of UT Majene for 2025 was attended by distinguished guests, including: 

• The Governor of West Sulawesi, represented by Vice Governor Major General (Ret.) Salim S. Mengga 

• The Regent of Mamuju, represented by Assistant III Mr. Alexander Pattola, S.PI 

• The Regent of Majene, represented by Vice Regent Dr. Hj. Andi Rita Mariani Basharoe, M.Pd 

• The Chairman of the West Sulawesi Provincial DPRD, represented by Vice Chairman III, Mr. Abdul Hakim 

• The Head of West Sulawesi Regional Police, represented by the Head of HR Bureau of West Sulawesi Regional Police: Mr. Kombespol Indra Setiawan, S.I.K, M.Hum 

• Dandrem H2 Tatag, represented by Kasi Ops Kasrem, Lt. Col. Inf. Wiji Untord 

• Acting Regional Secretary, Drs. Herdin Ismail, MM 

• The Head of West Sulawesi High Prosecutor’s Office, represented by Coordinator Aspidum Mr. Hamidi SH, MH 

• The Head of Regional Office of the Ministry of Law, represented by Mr. John Batara Manikalo, SH.MH 

• The Regional Secretary of West Sulawesi Province 

• The Head of PGRI West Sulawesi, Dr. Saharuddin, S.Pd, M.Pd 

• The Rector of Universitas Sulawesi Barat 

• The Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Mamuju 

• The Rector of Universitas Tomakaka 

• The Rector of Mamuju Health Polytechnic University 

• Leaders of Bank BTN, BNI, BRI, Mandiri Mamuju 

• Heads of UT Service Centers (Salut) Majene, Wonomulyo, Polman, Mamasa, Pasangkayu, and Mamuju Tengah 

Messages to the Graduates and Future Vision 

In the speech delivered by the Regent of Majene, represented by Vice Regent Dr. Hj. Andi Rita Mariani Basharoe, M.Pd, it was emphasized that the human resource competencies of the graduates are invaluable assets. UT graduates should be proud, as this is a tangible step in realizing UT as a PTN-BH (State University with Legal Entity Status) with excellent accreditation, especially in West Sulawesi, particularly in Majene Regency. The Regent of Majene hopes that the university will continue to synergize harmoniously. Majene will remain committed to cooperating in infrastructure development and promotion, especially for UT. She expressed hope that the graduates will bring positive impact and contributions to the region. 

On this occasion, the Regent of Mamuju, represented by Assistant III Mr. Alexander Pattola, S.PI, also highlighted the importance of education as a primary pillar in regional development and improving the quality of life for the community. The Regent congratulated the graduates on their achievements and stressed that the academic degree obtained is not the end of their journey but the beginning of new responsibilities to contribute to society. With the “Cool Mamuju” vision, the local government is committed to creating an inclusive and sustainable education ecosystem and encouraging collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve sustainable progress and enhance regional competitiveness. 

The graduation ceremony was particularly special as it was also attended by the Vice Governor of West Sulawesi. He conveyed the message from the Governor of West Sulawesi that the graduates’ completion is not the end of service, but the beginning of a journey to serve the community. He urged them to never stop learning, to continue self-development, as challenges in society are not easy. He encouraged them to keep seeking solutions to every problem, as not all answers can be obtained in college. He emphasized prioritizing manners before knowledge, as many knowledgeable people neglect manners. He stressed maintaining integrity, enhancing knowledge, and developing character to become noble individuals. He called for dedicated service to the nation with ethics and sacrifice, not just pursuing pleasure. Realizing a progressive and prosperous West Sulawesi is a major mission that requires hard work and sincerity. 

In his speech, the Rector of UT, represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Dr. Meirani Harsasi, S.E, M.Si, expressed her hope that UT graduates will become agents of change, driving progress in various sectors in West Sulawesi. She explained that UT serves as a higher education institution that embraces the concept of open and distance learning, providing broad opportunities for the people of West Sulawesi to access education without geographical barriers. 

Through the graduation theme, “Together with Universitas Terbuka, Building a Progressive, Prosperous, and Sustainable West Sulawesi,” UT is committed to producing graduates who are not only academically excellent but also resilient and innovative in addressing regional development challenges and global challenges. “Progressive” signifies the hope that UT alumni can become agents of change to drive educational, economic, social, and technological advancement through critical thinking, innovation, and adaptive leadership. “Prosperous” reflects the graduates’ ability to achieve success, thereby improving welfare and quality of life, narrowing socio-economic disparities, and empowering the community through professionalism and sustainable innovation in every field they pursue. 

Meanwhile, “Sustainable” refers to UT graduates’ contribution in designing and managing regional development programs with a long-term approach, innovating with environmentally friendly principles, and ensuring that every step of development can be passed on to future generations. This theme aligns with UT’s vision to produce graduates with global perspectives, integrity, and adaptability in the digital era, thus ready to play an active role in Indonesia’s sustainable development. 

The Rector also emphasized the importance of equitable and quality education and the role of alumni as agents of change in regional and national development. With improved accreditation and a commitment to continuous innovation, UT strives to reach more communities, especially in the West Sulawesi region, to overcome existing educational and social challenges. The graduates are expected to uphold the good name of their alma mater and contribute positively to society. 

It is hoped that the Regional UT graduation ceremony will not only be a moment of celebrating graduation but also strengthen the bond between UT and its alumni, and motivate graduates to continue working and contributing their best to society. With a spirit of openness, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration, Universitas Terbuka Majene reaffirms its role as a catalyst for social change and development in West Sulawesi. This graduation moment is not an end but the initial gateway for graduates’ contributions in creating an inclusive, intelligent, and sustainable future.