South Tangerang, 13 December 2026 — Universitas Terbuka (UT) reaffirmed its commitment to the quality of open and distance higher education through the opening of the Field Assessment (Asesmen Lapangan) for the Chemistry Education Study Program, organized by the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP). Conducted in a hybrid format, the assessment connected university leaders, lecturers, and students from various locations, including Surabaya, Bogor, and Australia.
The Field Assessment is part of the accreditation process by the Independent Accreditation Agency for Education (LAMDIK), aimed at ensuring academic quality is maintained despite learning being delivered across geographical boundaries. Through the effective use of digital technology, UT once again demonstrated its role as a pioneer of open and distance learning in Indonesia.
In his remarks, UT Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto, M.Si. emphasized that accreditation is not merely an administrative requirement, but a reflection of institutional honesty and academic transparency. He urged all teams to present data and educational practices as they truly are.
“My message is simple: please show the tangible evidence. Do not hide any data. Present everything as it is,” he stated before UT’s leadership and task force.
Prof. Ali highlighted the strategic importance of the assessment, noting that Universitas Terbuka is currently the only university in Indonesia seeking accreditation for a Chemistry Education program delivered through distance learning. This initiative aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, promoting inclusive and equitable access.
Through its distance learning system, UT provides broad access for in-service teachers and aspiring chemistry educators—including those in remote areas—to obtain high-quality academic qualifications, contributing directly to reducing national education disparities.
“We are very pleased that UT is the only institution applying for distance learning–based accreditation. We hope to receive guidance and advice, and our target is, of course, the Excellent (Unggul) accreditation. We ask for your prayers so this goal may be achieved,” he added.
The LAMDIK assessor team consisted of Prof. Sulistyo Saputro, M.Si., Ph.D. from Universitas Negeri Solo (UNS) and Prof. Dr. Khairida, M.Si. from Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP), who were welcomed as strategic partners in UT’s continuous quality improvement efforts.
Prof. Sulistyo emphasized that the assessment process is not solely evaluative, but also a shared learning experience. He noted that UT’s unique characteristics as an open and distance university could serve as a valuable reference for conventional higher education institutions.
“Our main purpose, beyond strengthening relations, is to learn together. Our visit is not only to conduct an assessment, but also to exchange experiences,” he explained, adding that the two-day assessment focused on verifying the alignment between submitted data and actual practices.
This assessment also reflects SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, highlighting the importance of collaboration, openness, and mutual trust between UT and LAMDIK in advancing higher education quality.
With its inclusive and adaptive system, Universitas Terbuka continues to demonstrate that quality higher education is accessible to all—from professionals pursuing career transitions to young academics studying abroad. Through this Field Assessment, UT strengthens its role at the forefront of distance education, contributing to a more equitable and globally competitive future.
