Denpasar, July 2, 2025 – Bali Governor Wayan Koster officially inaugurated the Universitas Terbuka (UT) Denpasar Building located in Sesetan on Wednesday (July 2, 2025). During the inauguration, Governor Koster expressed full support for UT as a strategic partner to expand access to higher education in Bali, especially in successfully implementing the flagship program “One Family, One Graduate.” 

According to him, UT’s development is currently very rapid, both in terms of infrastructure, learning technology, and institutional governance. “Now UT has developed very well. Its building is also getting better. I have a very strong connection with UT. UT is familiar to me because I was one of its pioneers,” said Wayan Koster. 

He added that UT is not only large in terms of student numbers but also has a global reach to various regions and abroad. This is considered in line with the government’s commitment to increasing higher education participation rates. 

He also emphasized that UT Denpasar plays an important role in increasing higher education participation rates in Bali. “I have a strong interest in UT. Before, we weren’t confident pushing it, now we are no longer ashamed because UT is cool. I have no doubt in endorsing UT,” he asserted. 

Governor Koster targeted 200 students to be assisted in the “One Family, One Graduate” program through UT Denpasar’s contribution, without any fees. “I ask for the contribution of all universities in Bali to accommodate students without any fees at their universities,” said the Bali Governor. 

UT’s Commitment to Flexible and Inclusive Education 

Responding to this, the Rector of Universitas Terbuka, Dr. Mohamad Yunus, S.S., M.A., conveyed UT’s commitment to providing flexible, affordable, and inclusive access to higher education. 

“UT is not here to compete, but to strengthen each other. Our distance learning system is available for anyone who has limitations in time, distance, or cost,” said the Rector. “Currently, the number of active UT students in Bali has reached 15,000, and it is targeted to grow to 30,000 next year,” Rector Yunus emphasized. He also explained that the growth in UT student numbers continues to increase throughout Indonesia, including 82,000 in Jakarta, 40,000 in Bandung, and 30,000 in Semarang, affirming UT’s role as a people’s campus reaching all corners of the country. 

Regarding the newly inaugurated UT Denpasar building, he explained that the new building began construction in 2021 on a land area of 9,550 square meters, consisting of three levels. 

“We dedicate this building to be a center for independent learning, collaboration, and strengthening the people of Bali. From here, intelligent, competitive generations will emerge, contributing tangibly to the region and the nation,” said the Rector. 

The Deputy for Coordination of Education Quality Improvement at Kemenko PMK, Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D., who was also present, emphasized the importance of education as a tool for social transformation. “We believe that UT’s presence will be very beneficial in supporting the social mobility of the Balinese community,” he concluded. 

Through a digital approach and an open and distance education system, UT Denpasar is ready to be the driving force in producing Balinese family graduates—realizing equitable, flexible, and socially impactful higher education. This is not just a building inauguration, but a concrete step towards a smarter, more inclusive, and empowered Bali.