CIMAHI — The Idea of Merdeka Belajar gives students the flexibility to determine how, when, and at what pace they learn. Yet such freedom still depends on one indispensable value: discipline. This message emerged during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Universitas Terbuka (UT) and Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani (UNJANI) on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the UNJANI campus in Cimahi, West Java.

The MoU on Enhancing the Quality of the Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tri Dharma) and Institutional Development was signed by UT Rector Prof. Ali Muktiyanto, S.E., M.Si., and UNJANI Rector Prof. Agus Subagyo, S.IP., M.Si. The partnership brings together two complementary higher education models: UT’s expertise in open and distance learning, and UNJANI’s identity as a Smart Military Campus, which emphasizes discipline, character building, organizational structure, and national values.

Through this collaboration, UT and UNJANI will explore joint initiatives in education, research, community engagement, the implementation of Learning Outside the Study Program initiatives, study visits and company visits, career center activities, and other collaborative programs. The agreement provides a foundation for both institutions to strengthen the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, enhance institutional development, optimize shared resources, and deliver more adaptive and impactful educational services for students.

UNJANI Rector Prof. Agus Subagyo stated that the signing of the MoU marks the beginning of a productive and sustainable partnership. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in education, research, and community service as part of a shared commitment to improving the quality of higher education.

“Through the signing of this MoU, we hope to strengthen collaboration in the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, including education, research, and community service,” Prof. Agus said.

Prof. Agus further expressed UNJANI’s readiness to support UT’s educational operations, particularly in West Java and the Bandung area. Such support may include providing classrooms, learning spaces, and other campus facilities whenever needed for UT’s educational activities.

“Under this MoU, we are also prepared to provide venues, classrooms, and other facilities to support Universitas Terbuka’s educational operations, particularly for UT activities in West Java, especially Bandung,” he said.

This commitment represents one of the key aspects of the partnership. With its extensive facilities, including Computer-Based Test (CBT) infrastructure, UNJANI has the potential to become a strategic partner in supporting UT’s educational services. Prof. Agus also expressed his appreciation for UT’s trust in UNJANI and hoped that the collaboration would continue to expand into other areas.

“We would like to thank the Rector of Universitas Terbuka for placing their trust in Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani. This partnership is both an honor and a source of pride for us, and we hope it will continue to grow across many other sectors,” Prof. Agus added.

Meanwhile, UT Rector Prof. Ali Muktiyanto described the signing of the MoU as a historic milestone for both institutions. He expressed his appreciation to the leadership of UNJANI for opening the door to collaboration and creating opportunities to strengthen institutional partnerships.

“Today marks a historic moment for Universitas Terbuka and Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani through the signing of this MoU. We at Universitas Terbuka are delighted and sincerely grateful to the Rector and the entire leadership of UNJANI for welcoming us and providing this opportunity to establish a meaningful partnership,” Prof. Ali said.

For Prof. Ali, the MoU should not remain merely a formal document. More importantly, it must be translated into sustainable, productive programs that inspire both institutions. One of the key inspirations UT draws from UNJANI is its culture of discipline as a Smart Military Campus.

“UT students choose our university because they seek the freedom to learn independently. However, within that freedom, discipline remains essential. Independent learning cannot succeed without self-discipline, and UNJANI has inspired us with its approach to cultivating discipline while preserving the spirit of Merdeka Belajar,” Prof. Ali explained.

His remarks highlighted one of the central messages of the partnership. Within UT’s open and distance learning system, students enjoy the flexibility to manage their own learning journey. However, that flexibility only becomes meaningful when supported by effective time management, consistency, and personal responsibility.

Prof. Ali also noted that UNJANI’s Smart Military Campus concept could serve as a valuable model for character development among university students. According to him, national character cannot be developed overnight but requires a structured, purposeful, and systematic approach.

“We view UNJANI as a Smart Military Campus that can inspire all of us. National character must be nurtured through structured, focused, and goal-oriented efforts. We share the same mission: to educate the nation and build strong character as Indonesia prepares for the Indonesia Emas 2045 vision,” Prof. Ali said.

Beyond character development, the collaboration also opens opportunities for expanding distance education, credit recognition, lecturer and tutor exchanges, the use of examination facilities, career center initiatives, and technology-enhanced learning. Digital ecosystems, online learning, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are among the areas identified for future collaboration to create learning experiences that meet the evolving demands of higher education.

The event was attended by senior leaders from UT, including Vice Rector for Research, Partnerships, and Business Dr. Hendrian, S.E., M.Si.; Director of UT Bandung Drs. Enceng, M.Si.; Manager for Partnerships and Outreach at the Center for Public Communication and Partnerships Yudhi Prasetiyo, S.E., M.Ak.; and Special Advisor for Partnerships, Outreach, and Public Relations Cynthia Ayu Manggarani, S.E., M.Sc. UNJANI was represented by its vice rectors, unit directors, center heads, deans, and managers of Computer-Based Test facilities from various faculties.

More broadly, the partnership between UT and UNJANI supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both universities to expanding access to higher education, strengthening educational quality, and developing graduates who are both competitive and grounded in strong character.

From Cimahi, UT and UNJANI have demonstrated that the future of higher education cannot be built in isolation. It requires universities that are willing to open their doors to one another, share their respective strengths, and move forward together. After all, Merdeka Belajar becomes truly meaningful when freedom is accompanied by discipline, character, and a shared responsibility to build Indonesia’s future.