Energy and excitement filled the air from the morning at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC), South Tangerang. A total of 385 students from five Universitas Terbuka Learning Centers (SALUT) under the UT Serang region—namely SALUT Labuan Gemilang, SALUT Kota Tangerang, SALUT Ceria, SALUT Cerdas, and SALUT Kresek—visited the UT Central office for an agenda titled UT Serang SALUT Visit.
The event, which took place on Tuesday (October 7, 2025), served as a platform for students to get closer to the digital campus ecosystem of Universitas Terbuka. Beyond learning about academic services and study facilities, participants were also encouraged to grasp the values of self-reliance and lifelong learning that characterize UT as the pioneer of open and distance education in Indonesia.
Following the opening and a screening of the Universitas Terbuka profile video, the event continued with remarks from the Director of Marketing and Cooperation, represented by the Head of the Administration Sub-Division of the Directorate of Marketing and Cooperation (DPKS), Dora Sophianingtyas, S.E., MBA. In her speech, Dora expressed appreciation and welcomed the UT students visiting the Central office. She also stressed the importance of synergy between UT and SALUT in providing higher education services that are easily accessible to all segments of society.
After the welcoming remarks, participants attended a session presented by the Head of the UT Library and Archives Center, Dr. Sri Sediyaningsih, M.Si., who highlighted various digital service innovations in the UT Library. Students were introduced to diverse online reference sources accessible anytime, demonstrating a digital transformation that supports a culture of literacy and self-directed learning in the age of technology.
The event proceeded with a Sharing Session featuring accomplished alumnus, Shan Syuja Adiwinata. Shan, a recipient of the Indonesia International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) 2023, shared an inspiring story about the importance of Student-Friendly Internationalization—an approach to internationalization centered on the student. He highlighted how UT students can leverage global opportunities, such as student exchanges, international internships, and cross-cultural programs, with support from UT and SALUT facilities and guidance.
Shan also encouraged students to start building the habit of using English and actively seeking out international programs aligned with their interests. According to him, language ability and self-confidence are key to seizing global opportunities. Furthermore, he emphasized the crucial role of SALUT as the front line in supporting students to get information and mentorship for international opportunities.
The visit, which concluded in the afternoon, ended with a group photo session at the UTCC. Besides strengthening camaraderie, the event served as an inspirational learning tool for students to better understand UT’s role in providing equitable and quality access to higher education.
Through activities like this, UT continues to demonstrate its contribution to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education. With its flexible, inclusive, and technology-based open education system, UT delivers a real impact on society—paving the way for anyone to learn, develop, and contribute to the nation.
