Halmahera Tengah, September 5–6, 2025 — A new spirit filled the T. Salahudin Building Hall at the Halmahera Tengah Regency Regional Government Office as 247 new students of Universitas Terbuka (UT) Ternate officially began their academic journey. The New Student Orientation (OSMB) and Distance Learning Skills Training (PKBJJ) served as a key moment in the birth of a new generation ready to strengthen human resources in North Maluku.
This two-day event was the result of a strategic collaboration between Universitas Terbuka Ternate and the Halmahera Tengah Regency Government. All participants are scholarship recipients from the local government and are required to have a Halmahera Tengah Regency ID card. This program not only provides the opportunity to pursue higher education but also serves as tangible proof of the local government’s commitment to delivering equitable, inclusive, and flexible educational access to the community.
The Regent of Halmahera Tengah, Dr. Ikram Sangaji, M.Si., delivered a public lecture titled “Education is an Eternal Investment,” which ignited the new students’ enthusiasm. In his message, he stated that education is an eternal investment that never results in a loss. “New UT students are to be pioneers of change, bringing Halmahera Tengah toward a brighter future armed with knowledge and a spirit of service,” said the Regent, to a thunderous applause. The event was made even more memorable with the pinning of UT’s signature yellow almamater jacket on two student representatives, which was then followed by all participants as a symbol of their official entry into the UT family.
The event was also attended by several important figures, including Iwan Setiyawan Prambudi, S.Kom., M.M. (Head of Administration and Marketing, representing the Director of UT Ternate), Azizah Nur Mujahidah, S.Pd., M.Pd. (Coordinator of Registration and Testing), Dr. Pepi Rospinawati, S.Si., M.Si. (from UT Central), and others. They collectively emphasized the importance of discipline, self-study skills, and leveraging digital technology as essential tools for success in studying at UT.
With 247 participants, this OSMB and PKBJJ event was one of the largest in UT Ternate’s history. More than just an orientation, this event is the first step in the birth of a golden generation for Halmahera Tengah, fully supported by the local government.
In line with UT’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this event supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing open and flexible access to higher education, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through a scholarship program that provides opportunities for people in the region to pursue higher education, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through close collaboration between UT and the local government.
With a spirit of togetherness and dedication, this event confirms that Universitas Terbuka is not only a university that provides access to education but also a driving force for social change in North Maluku. The new students are expected to complete their studies on time, bring about real change, and become a golden generation that contributes to the development of their region, nation, and the world.
