Palangkaraya, September 27, 2025 – Universitas Terbuka (UT) Palangka Raya and the Central Kalimantan Education Agency (Disdik Kalteng) are taking a bold step to expand opportunities for PAUD (Early Childhood Education) teachers to pursue higher education through the 2025 Free College Program. This collaboration stems from the conviction that the quality of early childhood education is inseparable from the quality of the teachers who guide it.
Since its launch, the 2025 Free College Program has become one of the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government’s breakthroughs to provide college access specifically for PAUD educators in the region. “Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God), our PAUD teachers are also receiving it; if I’m not mistaken, currently there are 27 or 29 teachers who are enrolled in the governor’s free college program,” said a representative from the Central Kalimantan Education Agency.
Although the number is still small, this initial step has been positively welcomed. UT Palangka Raya then stepped in as a strategic partner to strengthen the program’s implementation. The Director of UT Palangkaraya, Hariyani, SP., M.P., stated, “UT is ready to be the main partner in providing flexible and affordable higher education for PAUD teachers spread across the entire Central Kalimantan region.”
This collaboration signals a spirit of shared roles between the government and the university. Disdik ensures that regulations, support from regencies/cities, and program coordination run smoothly. Meanwhile, UT strengthens the academic and administrative support. Both agreed that higher education must be accessible regardless of background or location.
This effort is also a tangible realization of the SDGs, especially SDG 4: Quality Education, which emphasizes the importance of equitable access to education. Furthermore, the commitment to PAUD teachers, most of whom are in remote areas, also aligns with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, as it provides space for those previously hindered by cost and distance.
More than just a quota number, the impact of this program is felt directly in PAUD classrooms. With more teachers pursuing higher education, the quality of early childhood learning is believed to improve. This is an important foundation for building a young generation that is resilient, creative, and ready to face the future.
Although challenges still exist—ranging from budget limitations to the distribution of information to remote areas—the commitment shown by UT and Disdik Kalteng demonstrates optimism. Moving forward, this collaboration is expected to inspire more regencies/cities to actively encourage PAUD teachers in their areas to take advantage of this golden opportunity.
Universitas Terbuka, with its flexible and accessible education system, once again proves its role not only as the largest distance learning university in Indonesia but also as a driving force for educational equity. UT Palangka Raya’s presence in supporting the Free College Program is proof that higher education is not a privilege but a right for every educator to improve their capacity.
The collaboration born in Bumi Tambun Bungai sends a strong message: improving the quality of education cannot be done alone. It requires close cooperation between the government, universities, and the educators themselves. With the spirit of mutual cooperation (gotong royong), more inclusive access to education is no longer just a dream but a reality that is slowly being realized in Central Kalimantan.
