Tangerang Selatan, 25 September 2025 – Universitas Terbuka (UT) continues to meet the challenges of the digital era and demonstrates its commitment to expanding access to higher education options. Finally, UT has opened a vocational school and introduced 15 new study programs based on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, or STEM.
In a press conference following the UT Kupang graduation ceremony at Hotel Harper on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Rector of Universitas Terbuka, Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto, S.E., M.Si., said this move was made to dispel the public’s assumption that distance education is only suitable for social science fields. Not only that, this step was taken in response to the future need for skilled human resources and the demands of the business and industrial world (DUDI), which increasingly prioritize innovation and technology. Through the Vocational program, UT opens access to applicable and industry-relevant skills education that can be accessed from Sabang to Merauke.
Although UT is a university with a distance education system, the public does not need to worry that this will eliminate practical work. To support the success of this ongoing program, UT collaborates with all labs and studio workshops across the country so that its students can still perform practical work. Furthermore, UT ensures that the practical portion proceeds according to standards.
The fact that practical lectures can be accessed anywhere without the need for face-to-face attendance proves that UT always adapts to the latest educational technology. This statement is supported by the large number of UT students who are already working or running a business, while the rest are high school graduates who choose learning flexibility.
UT’s step of opening 15 vocational study programs to meet the needs of DUDI supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 (Quality Education), where UT supports the achievement of inclusive, equitable, and relevant education that meets the needs of the times. Then, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), UT hopes that with the opening of the STEM and vocational programs, students will have a greater opportunity to obtain productive, creative jobs that align with the modern labor market, thereby strengthening inclusive economic growth.
This strategic move by UT proves that higher education can be the driving force for sustainable development, producing superior human resources, while simultaneously addressing the challenges of the digital era and the needs of future industry.
