According to some students, final examination is not only talking about coming on-time and answering the questions, but there is more than that. Some experience the conflicting schedule, distance problem, or family and other obligatory responsibilities. In the midst of those cases, Universitas Terbuka (UT) Palembang shows its appearance by conducting the 2025/2026 Final Exam fully online for the students.
The first phase of the examinations began on June 20, 2026, at 47 examination centers and will continue through July 5, 2026. The initiative reflects UT Palembang’s commitment to providing flexible and accessible higher education services for students, many of whom balance their studies with work and family responsibilities.
Director of UT Palembang, Drs. Muhammad Tair Abunaim, M.M., explained that the final examinations remain an integral part of the student learning assessment process. The examination format varies according to course characteristics and includes online examinations, face-to-face assessments, and take-home examinations.
“The final examination serves as an evaluation tool to measure students’ learning outcomes. Its implementation is adjusted to the characteristics of each course,” he stated.
According to Naim, his familiar nickname, UT Headquarters had initially targeted a minimum of 80 percent online examinations and 20 percent face-to-face examinations. However, UT Palembang exceeded that target by conducting the entire examination process online.
“Today marks the first day of examinations at 47 locations, involving 41,230 students and 239,920 course examinations. The examinations are conducted from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Western Indonesian Time,” he said.
The fully online examination system reflects a broader shift in the university’s approach to educational services. Rather than treating examinations solely as rigid academic requirements, UT Palembang aims to accommodate the realities faced by its diverse student population, particularly working professionals who require greater flexibility.
Abunaim noted that students experiencing changes in work schedules or other unforeseen circumstances may request examination location transfers or rescheduling. These accommodations can be arranged both within South Sumatra and at other regional UT centers across Indonesia.
“If students experience schedule changes that require them to move to another examination location, we can facilitate transfers both within South Sumatra and to other UT regional offices. Even students whose work obligations prevent them from attending can reschedule their examinations until July 5, although an administrative fee applies,” he explained.
Although the examinations are conducted online, students still attend designated examination centers prepared by the university. UT Palembang provides computer facilities and internet access to ensure the process remains organized, efficient, and reliable.
“Examination results can also be processed more quickly because the entire system is digitally integrated,” Abunaim added.
Looking ahead, the university plans to introduce additional innovations, including mobile-based examinations and an Automatic Online Proctoring (AOP) system. The technology would allow students to complete examinations remotely while maintaining academic integrity through digital monitoring.
“We hope future examination systems will continue to improve, enabling students to take examinations from home. Supporting technologies will be implemented to ensure compliance with examination regulations,” he said.
The university has encouraged students to complete all examination requirements, including verifying examination locations, printing examination cards, and following examination guidelines. UT Palembang also expressed hopes that weather conditions, technical infrastructure, and internet connectivity would not disrupt the examination process.
“We also hope external factors such as weather will not become obstacles, that facilities and infrastructure operate optimally, and that student attendance reaches 100 percent,” Abunaim stated.
Students have responded positively to the new system. Aliyah, a fourth-semester Public Administration student, described the online examination experience as more practical and efficient.
“Today I took the Village Government Administration examination. The online format is easier, and the time feels more efficient. The examinations continue until 5:00 p.m.,” she said.
Following the examination period, UT Palembang will also open course re-registration opportunities for students who receive grades below the required standard, providing them with additional opportunities to improve their academic performance.
The implementation of fully online final examinations further strengthens UT Palembang’s position as a leader in distance higher education. In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly those related to quality education, innovation, and reducing inequalities—the digitalization of examinations represents more than a technological upgrade. It reflects the university’s commitment to making higher education more accessible and responsive to the needs of modern learners who continue to work, study, and pursue their educational goals simultaneously.
