At four in the morning, Sarwono arranges flower petals at his roadside stall on Jalan Lawu, Karanganyar. Around the same time, his youngest son, Gideon Permadi, begins his day by reading modules and completing assignments at home in Dusun Papahan. Through the flexible distance learning system of Universitas Terbuka (UT), Gideon’s studies run alongside the rhythm of family life. 

Sarwono (61) and his wife, Tjahjadi Widyawati (55), known as Ipung, manage their family flower business, “Sekar Jaya,” in Tasikmadu District. Since 2020, the business has become their primary livelihood, supporting their children’s education. Their eldest daughter, Elia Rahayu Andryawati (28), now works at the Health Crisis Center of Indonesia’s Ministry of Health in Semarang, while Gideon is pursuing a Sociology degree at UT. 

Choosing UT was a practical decision shaped by family considerations. Its open and distance learning system allows Gideon to study independently, manage his schedule, and remain close to home. He completes coursework and exams according to the academic calendar while observing firsthand his parents’ dedication—especially during busy periods such as traditional nyadran ceremonies. 

For Sarwono and Ipung, every early morning at the flower stall is part of a long-term commitment to their children’s future. Through UT’s flexible education model, Gideon can steadily build his academic path while staying rooted in family life—proving that higher education can grow hand in hand with everyday resilience and hard work.