Tangerang Selatan — A different atmosphere filled the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC) on Friday afternoon (9 January 2026). Candlelight flickered softly, hymns echoed gently, and hundreds of participants from diverse backgrounds sat side by side. It was in this warm and inclusive setting that Universitas Terbuka (UT) celebrated Christmas 2025 and welcomed the New Year 2026.

Carrying the theme “God Is Present to Save the Family” (cf. Matthew 1:21–24) and the subtheme “Serving and Bearing Witness in the Harmony of Diversity for Universitas Terbuka as a World-Class Distance Education Institution,” the celebration invited participants not only to commemorate the birth of Christ, but also to reflect on the role of family—including the extended UT family—as a source of strength and hope.

The event was attended by UT Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto, Vice Rectors Adrian Sutawijaya and Prof. Dr. Paken Pandiangan, members of the Board of Trustees and Academic Senate, UT leaders from central and regional offices (both onsite and online), representatives of UT Alumni Association, Dharma Wanita Persatuan UT, students, alumni, retirees, partners, and Dharma Karya UT Education Unit. Religious leaders Romo Blasius Sumaryo, SCJ, and Rev. Bambang Wiku H., M.Th., were also present, along with a special performance by Stephanie Marbun.

Chair of the UT Christmas Committee, Bayu Eka Wicaksana, M.P., explained that the celebration was designed not only as a worship service, but also as a space for fellowship and encounter. “This theme reminds us that family—both at home and within the UT community—is the foundation for strengthening faith, character, and a spirit of service,” he said. A total of 320 participants, including adults and children, attended, reflecting a strong sense of belonging within UT’s faith community.

Beyond the solemn worship, the celebration opened a broader space for reflection. One of the most touching moments was a praise performance by Prof. Dr. Maximus Gorky Sembiring, M.Sc., which conveyed deep meaning about the values and direction being cultivated at UT. The reflection emphasized continuous growth, cross-generational collaboration, and the upholding of academic integrity, while inviting all members of UT to ground every effort, decision, and service in shared values for institutional sustainability and social impact.

This reflection resonated with the spiritual message echoed throughout the celebration: humans may plan, but God ultimately determines. It served as a reminder that behind strategies, digital transformation, and institutional targets, UT remains anchored in spiritual and ethical values.

In his remarks, Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto expressed his appreciation for the dedication of the Christian community within UT. He reaffirmed UT’s commitment to inclusivity and tolerance. “Differences in faith and perspectives on religiosity are not an issue. We walk hand in hand to serve UT, serve the nation, and spread peace and love,” he stated.

The message of peace was echoed by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Paken Pandiangan, who hoped the spirit of Christmas and the New Year 2026 would inspire UT members to deliver the best possible service to students and society. Representing students, Tiur Nadea from UT Surakarta expressed pride in being part of such a warm and inclusive celebration, while UT retirees shared their appreciation for remaining involved and witnessing UT’s ongoing innovations.

More than an annual celebration, UT Christmas 2025 reflected the values of sustainable development—strengthening quality education, inclusive institutions, and social harmony. These values align with UT’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

From UTCC, the extended UT family stepped into 2026 with renewed hope. Though the candlelight may fade, the Christmas message—of faith, family, and harmony in diversity—continues to shine as UT moves forward in serving the nation and the world.