Universitas Terbuka (UT) once again affirmed its role as a university of the future by holding a bachelor’s degree graduation ceremony and a New Student Orientation (OSMB) at the Hasanuddin Hall, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Kuala Lumpur, on Sunday, September 21, 2024. This event proves that higher education is becoming more inclusive and accessible to anyone, including Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) working in the neighboring country.
A total of 45 PMIs officially earned bachelor’s degrees from various study programs. This historic moment was witnessed by the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Social, and Political Sciences (FHISIP) UT, Dr. Meita Istianda, S.I.P., M.Si., the Director of UT Medan, Yasir Riady, S.S., M.Hum., the Education and Culture Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Prof. Muhammad Firdaus, Ph.D., and the Head of the UT Service Center (SALUT) Kuala Lumpur, Taufik Hasyim Salengke, M.A.
In his speech, Prof. Muhammad Firdaus asserted that education is the key to improving the quality of life for PMIs. “With this educational achievement, it is hoped that the graduates will be able to have a real impact on their careers and communities,” he said.
This graduation was not only a formal event but also a deeply moving one. An art performance by UT Kuala Lumpur students added a special touch, followed by a testimony from the top graduate who expressed gratitude to their family and supervising lecturers. For them, a bachelor’s degree is a symbol of courage to keep moving forward amidst the challenges of living abroad.
The Director of UT Medan, Yasir Riady, stated that the success of the PMIs in completing their studies is a tangible representation of a borderless learning spirit. “UT is here to ensure that higher education is accessible to anyone, anywhere, and anytime, including our migrant workers abroad,” he stressed. He added that the flexibility of a full online lecture, affordable fees, and the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program are the reasons why UT is becoming increasingly popular.
In addition to sending off graduates, on the same day, UT also introduced its new educational face to 150 new students at the OSMB SALUT Kuala Lumpur. A feeling of great enthusiasm was present as participants were introduced to UT’s digital learning system, which is different from a conventional campus: there is no entrance exam, it’s flexible, and it’s technology-based.
The phenomenon of increasing interest in distance education is clearly visible. In the odd semester of 2025/2026, UT recorded a surge in new student enrollments to 184,632. This number reflects that more and more people, including PMIs, see open education as a way to improve themselves without having to leave their main jobs.
UT’s presence for PMIs also strengthens Indonesia’s role in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 on quality education and SDG 10 on reducing inequalities. Through its open and inclusive system, UT proves that distance and limitations are no longer obstacles to gaining knowledge.
More than just an academic procession, this graduation at the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur shows the transformation of Indonesian higher education. UT continues to prove itself as a campus that can answer the challenges of the times, present innovation, and be a source of pride on the global stage. With the spirit of “education for all,” UT not only produces graduates but also provides new hope for PMIs who want to change their future through education.
