Tangerang Selatan, May 15, 2025 – Universitas Terbuka (UT) once again solidified its commitment as a pioneer of open and distance education by hosting the prestigious 3rd International Conference on Teaching and Learning (ICTL) 2025 on Thursday, May 15, 2025. This international conference was held in a hybrid format, taking place at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC) and simultaneously broadcast online via Zoom Meeting. The event was attended by the Rector of UT, Dr. Mohamad Yunus, S.S., M.A., along with UT’s Vice-Rectors, Heads of Institutions, Deans of Faculties, Director of the Postgraduate School (SPs), Vice Deans of Faculties, and Deputy Directors of SPs. Also in attendance were Dr. Sigit Wibowo, Head of the Regulation, Policy, and Education Quality Assurance Working Team at the Directorate of Teacher Professional Education, and Yulia Gita Fani, S.T., M.Si., Head of the Facilitation Working Team for PPG (Teacher Professional Education) for Prospective Teachers at the Directorate of Teacher Professional Education.
The conference garnered extraordinary enthusiasm from various circles. A total of 199 presenters participated in this forum, consisting of 120 online presenters and 79 offline presenters. Of this number, 56 percent were from UT, while the remainder came from various national and international educational institutions, including those from Egypt, Malaysia, Sweden, Taiwan, and Pakistan. Carrying the theme “Reenvisioning Education in the Digital Era for a Resilient Future,” this conference serves as tangible proof of UT’s response to the rapidly evolving dynamics of the digital education world.
This prestigious international conference featured a lineup of renowned national and international academics from various parts of the world. Keynote speakers included Prof. Stella Christie, A.B., Ph.D., and the Vice Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, represented by Prof. dr. Ardi Findyartini, Ph.D., as the Director of Transformative Learning Strategy and System at the Directorate General of Science and Technology. Additionally, prominent plenary speakers from various countries were present, such as Dr. Tahira Bibi from Allama Iqbal Open University (Pakistan), Prof. Hao-Chiang Koong Lin from National University of Tainan (Taiwan), and two Indonesian education figures: Prof. Dr. Ojat Darojat, Ph.D., who currently serves as the Deputy for Coordination of Education Quality Improvement at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture Affairs (Kemenko PMK), and Prof. Amirul Mukminin, Ph.D. from Jambi University. Invited speakers included Assoc. Prof. Mimi Fitriana Zaini, Ph.D. from HELP University and Prof. Kwang Sik Chung from Korea National Open University, alongside academics from UT.
The conference, organized by the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) UT, aimed to be a global platform for academics, researchers, educators, and policymakers to share insights, experiences, and the latest research findings on digital transformation in education. Its main focus was to address the challenges of today’s education world while preparing resilient, sustainable, and inclusive learning models. According to the Chairman of the ICTL 2025 Committee, Dr. Juli Firmansyah, M.Pd., this conference was not only a venue for knowledge sharing but also a space for cross-disciplinary, cultural, and national collaboration. “We hope ICTL becomes a global dialogue forum that can produce concrete solutions to educational challenges, especially in the context of digitalization, inclusivity, and sustainability,” he said in his opening remarks.
The event then continued with remarks by the Dean of FKIP UT, Prof. Dr. Ucu Rahayu, M.Sc. In her speech, Prof. Ucu welcomed all attendees and participants of the 3rd ICTL 2025. Prof. Ucu stated that ICTL is a regular event organized by the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Terbuka, as a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences among lecturers, students, and education practitioners. ICTL is also a contribution from FKIP UT in commemoration of National Education Day. “The theme carried this year is highly relevant to the challenges we face today, where education must be able to adapt to technological advancements and global changes,” she concluded. Prof. Ucu also emphasized that innovation in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and MESH (Media, Entertainment, Sports, and Health) learning is crucial to preparing the younger generation for a future full of uncertainties. “By sharing best practices in teaching and learning, we can improve the quality of education and ensure that all learners have equal opportunities for success,” Prof. Ucu stated.
The event then continued with remarks by the Rector of UT, Dr. Mohamad Yunus, S.S., M.A., who simultaneously opened the 3rd ICTL 2025 series of events. In his speech, Mohamad Yunus emphasized that “Currently, we face various challenges in education. Rapid technological development, the need for inclusive and equitable education, and the importance of building sustainable and resilient education models are some of the urgent issues we need to address. Furthermore, student mental health and well-being, the integration of innovative learning methods, and the need for best practices in teaching and learning are critical areas that require serious attention. Universitas Terbuka remains committed to facing these challenges through its vision and mission. As a pioneer in open and distance learning, UT provides accessible, inclusive, and high-quality education for learners worldwide,” stated Mohamad Yunus.
Beyond the scientific sessions, ICTL 2025 also featured an exhibition of innovative works from UT’s Teacher Professional Education (PPG) students. Community engagement products such as learning media, handicrafts, environmental projects, and culinary innovations were showcased as a tangible contribution to strengthening a sustainable education ecosystem. The conference also covered seven strategic sub-themes, including:
Open and Distance Learning (ODL) for Global Education
Building Inclusive and Equitable Education
Sustainable and Resilient Educational Models
Sustainable Learning for Mental Health and Well-Being
Innovation in STEAM Learning
Innovation in MESH Learning
Best Practices in Teaching and Learning
The high enthusiasm of participants and active participation from various circles demonstrate that education transformation is not merely a demand of the times, but an urgent need to build a better future. ICTL 2025 serves as concrete proof that global collaboration can strengthen the foundation of education that is more just, resilient, and oriented towards sustainability.
At the end of the session, several presenters were announced as Best Presenters, including: 1) Komang Kurniawan Widiartha; 2) Rafiniati Safran Efendi; 3) Anita Kurniasih; 4) Taufan Untung Wibowo; 5) Ignasius Widi Nugroho; 6) Sitti Habiba Masud; 7) Widya Rizky Pratiwi; 8) Muhammad Arif Mahdiannur; 9) Andi Sanjaya; 10) Riana Dwi Putra; 11) Dwi Maulida Sari; 12) Ildi Kurniawan; 13) Sutirna; and 14) Karla Mahardika.
With a spirit of collaboration and innovation, Universitas Terbuka, through ICTL 2025, reaffirms its commitment to shaping an open education ecosystem that is inclusive, adaptive, and globally competitive.
