Working long hours in the field has not stopped Rizqan Prasetyo from pursuing higher education. The PT Kereta Api Indonesia employee, currently assigned to Palembang, enrolled at Universitas Terbuka (UT) Palembang to advance his career prospects. 

Originally from Bandung, Rizqan moved to Palembang after passing the company’s recruitment process following high school graduation. For the past year, he has worked and lived in the city as a Petugas Langsir (rail yard operator), guiding train drivers safely onto tracks—a physically demanding job that requires precision and constant readiness. 

Recognizing that a high school diploma limits his career mobility, Rizqan chose UT Palembang for its flexible distance learning system, which allows him to balance full-time work and study. He believes few universities provide such access for active workers without requiring them to leave their jobs. 

Rizqan aims to complete his bachelor’s degree within four years, hoping it will open opportunities for job reclassification, higher pay, and a transition from field operations to an office-based position. “With a bachelor’s degree, I hope for better career advancement and salary adjustment,” he said. 

His story reflects UT’s strategic role in expanding inclusive access to quality higher education, particularly for working professionals. Through its open and distance learning model, UT enables individuals like Rizqan to improve their qualifications and socioeconomic mobility without sacrificing their current employment—supporting broader goals of quality education and decent work.