Tangerang Selatan, July 8, 2025 – Universitas Terbuka (UT) once again proved that quality higher education knows no bounds. Through the Graduation Ceremony for Academic Year 2024/2025 Even Semester Region 1, UT officially graduated 1,213 students from all over the country at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC), UT Central Office, Tangerang Selatan, on Tuesday (July 8).
Carrying the theme “Towards the Future of the Digital Era: Achieving Brilliant Achievements,” this graduation was not just an academic ceremony but a symbol of the success of the Distance Higher Education (PTJJ) system that UT has inclusively, flexibly, and technologically integrated.
As the only state university based on distance learning (PJJ) in Indonesia, UT serves more than 676,588 active students from various backgrounds: civil servants (ASN), teachers in 3T (frontier, outermost, disadvantaged) regions, industrial workers, housewives, and partners from the business/industrial world. This graduation emphasizes that geographical limitations, age, or busy schedules are not obstacles to achieving a bachelor’s degree and creating change.
The graduation ceremony began with the Reading of the Rector’s Decree on the Confirmation of Graduates for TA 2024/2025 Even Semester by the Director of Academic Administration and Graduation (DAAK), Firmansyah, S.Kom., M.M., which was then followed by the Confirmation by the Rector of UT, Dr. Mohamad Yunus, M.A., and the reading of the Rector’s Decree on Best Graduates for TA 2024/2025 by the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Rahmat Budiman. S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D.
In his remarks, UT Rector, Dr. Mohamad Yunus, M.A., affirmed that the graduates are not just diploma holders but also agents of change.
“UT graduates are the face of Indonesia’s future—resilient, adaptive, and truly impactful,” he asserted.
Mohamad Yunus also stated that we are currently facing the era of the industrial revolution 4.0 and even moving towards society 5.0. UT does not only focus on increasing access to education but also on improving the quality of graduates who are adaptive to technological developments, socially inclusive, and excellent in professional competence. “Through the continuously developed Learning Management System (LMS), digitalization of learning materials, online tutorial services, to the microcredentials ecosystem and competency certification, UT encourages a more flexible learning process relevant to current industry needs,” said Mohamad Yunus.
“We believe that higher education must be the driving force for national progress. Therefore, UT actively establishes strategic collaborations with the government, the business and industrial world, and international institutions in shaping graduates who are not only academically intelligent but also mentally resilient and digitally skilled,” added Mohamad Yunus.
A proud moment came from one of the graduates who received appreciation. She is Hendri Setiawati, a graduate of the UT Malang Master of Environmental Studies Program, who achieved a perfect GPA of 4.0 and graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors. Her story reflects the quality of UT’s academic delivery, demonstrating that its self-study system can be on par with conventional universities. The event continued with the presentation of awards to the Best Graduates from IKA UT to:
- Best Graduate: Hendri Setiawati
- Oldest Graduate: Ramli Marbun
- Oldest Graduate: Magdalena
- Youngest Graduate: Fitri Sukma Rahayu
In addition, there was a session for handing over 12 graduates from UT to PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (Persero) or PNM. These students received scholarship programs from PNM during their studies as part of the synergy between UT and the business/industrial world (DUDI). This program is concrete proof of UT’s collaboration with State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) that focus on empowering MSMEs and pre-prosperous families, as well as PNM’s support in producing excellent human resources through open and distance higher education.
Cultural nuances enriched the graduation atmosphere, reflecting the harmony of academics, art, and innovation. The Saman Dance and song performance by Lidia Mayangsari (UT Jember), Runner-up of Kontes Ambyar Indonesia 2023, were a manifestation of harmony between intellectuality and art. The event concluded with the reading of the graduates’ oath and the handover of alumni to the UT Alumni Association (IKA UT) as a bridge for contribution to society.
As a digital campus, UT implements its technology-based learning output by producing impactful graduates. It is proven that almost 3 million UT alumni are spread across various strategic sectors. With an online-based learning ecosystem, multimedia materials, interactive learning materials, online exams, and digital administration services, UT creates a space for students to develop into lifelong learners.
UT students do not just learn theory; they are accustomed to managing their time, learning independently, and honing their fighting spirit. This model produces graduates who are not only educated but also adaptive to change and ready to compete globally.
With the creed of limitless education, UT is present as a real solution for anyone who wants to achieve quality higher education—anytime, anywhere. UT graduates are the embodiment of national education ideals—equitable access, excellent quality, and impactful contribution.
Because at UT, studying is not about location, but about determination and impact.
