Surabaya, August 12, 2025 – Universitas Terbuka (UT) Surabaya has established a partnership with Class I Madiun Correctional Facility (Lapas Kelas I Madiun) to expand access to higher education for inmates. This collaboration focuses on implementing a Bachelor’s Degree (Strata 1/S1) program through a flexible distance learning system that complies with correctional institution regulations.
The program is designed as part of efforts to empower and rehabilitate inmates, with the aim of enhancing their intellectual capacity, skills, and readiness for social reintegration after completing their sentence. Through this collaboration, inmates can continue their studies, gain knowledge, and prepare for a better future.
The Rector of Universitas Terbuka, Dr. M. Yunus, S.S., M.M., emphasized that education should not be limited by physical boundaries or social status. “Universitas Terbuka is here for everyone, including inmates. We believe that everyone has the same right to improve themselves and build a better future through education. This is a real manifestation of UT’s commitment as an Impactful Campus that continues to reach those who have been left behind,” he stated.
The implementation phases of the program include the registration process, the preparation of class schedules, and the provision of online learning facilities facilitated by UT Surabaya, with full support from Class I Madiun Correctional Facility. Learning activities will begin in the current academic semester.
This initiative aligns with Indonesia’s Asta Cita Goal No. 4, which focuses on improving access, quality, and relevance of education, and also supports the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision. By opening up learning opportunities for all, including inmates, UT is playing a concrete role in promoting educational equity across the nation.
This initiative reinforces UT’s role as an Impactful Campus that provides unlimited access to education, reaching all segments of society, including those in correctional institutions. Additionally, the collaboration is in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 – Quality Education, which emphasizes equal access to inclusive and quality education for all citizens.
Meanwhile, Dr. Suparti, M.Pd., Director of UT Surabaya, stressed the importance of collaboration with correctional institutions in strengthening the rehabilitative role of education. “For us, education is a path to liberation—not only from the limitations of knowledge, but also from the limitations of opportunity. Through this program, we want inmates to feel that they are not forgotten, that there is always a second chance to build a more meaningful life,” she said.
Through this joint program, UT Surabaya hopes to make a meaningful contribution to improving the quality of Indonesia’s human resources and reinforcing the rehabilitative value of education within correctional facilities.
