Tangerang Selatan, July 7, 2025 – Universitas Terbuka (UT) once again demonstrated its commitment to preparing excellent, adaptive, and competitive graduates for the digital transformation era. This was realized through the organization of the Universitas Terbuka Academic Seminar for the 2024/2025 Even Semester Region 1, which took place at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC), Pondok Cabe, on Monday (July 7) with the theme “Towards the Future of the Digital Era: Reaching Brilliant Achievements.” 

This academic seminar is part of the UT Graduation series for the 2024/2025 Even Semester Region 1, which was officially opened with a report from the Committee Chairman, who is also the Director of Academic Administration and Graduation, Firmansyah, S.Kom., M.M. In his report, he stated that the total number of graduates for the 2024/2025 Even Semester was 34,801 students. “The Region 1 graduation seminar was attended by 1,213 participants from 13 Regional UTs representing the western and central parts of Indonesia, and UT Overseas Services,” said Firmansyah, M.M. 

The event continued with remarks from the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Rahmat Budiman, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., who emphasized the importance of strengthening graduate capacity in facing global disruption. Prof. Rahmat first welcomed the prospective UT graduates. “We congratulate you on the achievements you have made. I am very confident that you have long awaited this moment,” said Prof. Rahmat. 

Prof. Rahmat also revealed that this seminar is not just a routine activity but an academic reflection and self-transformation, aiming to prepare graduates who are ready to enter society with excellent competencies and strong character. In addition, the theme of this seminar is very relevant to the challenges of the times that all of us are facing and will face. “We are no longer talking about the future as something distant, because the future is happening now,” added Prof. Rahmat. 

“Academic excellence needs to be supported by adaptive, collaborative abilities, and a high fighting spirit. This is the main provision for UT graduates to contribute tangibly to society in the era of digital disruption,” said Prof. Rahmat. 

The event continued with the main seminar session, featuring an inspiring speaker from the digital financial industry, Bindu Golden Seri Siahaan, MBA, CMT, Head of Digital and Alternative Distribution PT BNI Life, who provided insights into leadership and innovation in the digitalization era of the financial industry. Bindu Golden provided insights to prospective graduates regarding the provisions for starting a career and preparing themselves, especially in terms of financial planning and financial literacy. Bindu Golden also conveyed that it is currently important for all generations to be financially literate, with the hope of enjoying a pleasant life in the future. 

An inspiring touch was also presented through the performance of Lidia Mayangsari, a UT Jember student who was also the Runner-up of the Ambyar Indonesia 2023 Contest. Her performance added a unique color, uniting academic and artistic spirit in harmony. 

The seminar became even more meaningful with a Dialogue Session between the prospective graduates participating in the seminar and the UT leadership. The Rector, Chairman of the Senate, and Vice Rectors were present, opening a space for open dialogue between students and university leaders in a warm and reflective atmosphere. 

The event became even more inspiring with a presentation by Prof. Gorky M. Sembiring, an educational figure who closed the seminar with a motivational session that ignited the graduates’ spirit to continue to grow. In this moment, UT also introduced several inspiring graduates, namely twin graduates, elderly graduates, and the youngest graduate, as follows: 

• Twin Graduates: Miftahul Hasannah Qawiyah (UT Jakarta, Communications Study Program) and Miftahul Jannah Qawiyah (UT Jakarta, Communications Study Program). 

• Elderly Graduates: Ramli Marbun (70 years old, Law Study Program, Faculty of Law, Social Sciences, and Political Sciences/FHISIP) and Magdalena (70 years old from the S1 PGPAUD Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education/FKIP). 

• Youngest Graduate: Fitri Sukma Rahayu (21 years old, Elementary School Teacher Education (PGSD) Study Program – FKIP). 

As the only State University (PTN) in Indonesia that implements a Distance Learning (PJJ) system, UT has become home to more than 676,000 active students from all corners of the archipelago and abroad. UT offers 4 (four) Faculties (FEB, FHISIP, FST, FKIP), and a Postgraduate School (SPs) with a flexible technology-based learning system. UT has also produced almost 3 million alumni who are active in various sectors—from education, health, bureaucracy, to entrepreneurship. 

This seminar is proof that UT not only produces graduates but also future education leaders who are ready to face the challenges of the times. Through the spirit of Kampus Berdampak (Impactful Campus), UT continues to strengthen its role in creating inclusive, transformative, and far-reaching higher education for all levels of society.