TANGERANG SELATAN – Rather than relying solely on reports and documents, three international reviewers from the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) spent nearly a week observing firsthand how Universitas Terbuka (UT) delivers open and distance learning across Indonesia. They held discussions with university leaders, met students and alumni, and visited several regional UT offices. From this comprehensive review, they reached a clear conclusion: Universitas Terbuka has successfully maintained high educational quality despite its massive scale of operations and deserves stronger support from the Indonesian government.
The assessment was delivered during the ICDE Quality Review 2026, conducted from July 6 to 10, 2026. The review served as an international evaluation of UT’s commitment to strengthening its quality culture while following up on the recommendations from the 2023 ICDE Quality Review. Over the five-day evaluation, the reviewers assessed six key areas, including governance, curriculum, learning and teaching, student services, and support systems for academic and administrative staff.
ICDE reviewer Prof. Li Kam Cheong said his positive impression of Universitas Terbuka was evident from the beginning. According to him, UT prepared a highly comprehensive quality assurance documentation package, making it easier for the review team to understand the university’s strategic direction.
However, he emphasized that evaluating quality requires more than reviewing documents.
During their visit to Indonesia, the reviewers traveled to several regional UT offices and engaged directly with lecturers, administrative staff, students, and alumni to verify that institutional policies were effectively implemented in practice. Through these visits, they witnessed UT’s strong commitment to continuously improving educational quality.
“We saw that Universitas Terbuka serves more than 768,248 students. That is no easy task, especially considering the university also provides support for students with disabilities. Therefore, we hope the Indonesian government will provide even stronger support so that Universitas Terbuka can continue enhancing its services,” said Li.
A similar view was expressed by Dr. Sanjaya Mishra. He noted that UT’s quality culture was not built overnight but has been cultivated through years of sustained commitment. The results are evident in the success of many UT graduates who now contribute to various companies and institutions across Indonesia.
“Universitas Terbuka has evolved into a mega quality university. Continued government support is essential so that its benefits can reach even more people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prof. Linda Amrane Cooper observed that Universitas Terbuka is not only responding to today’s educational needs but is also preparing for future challenges. Amid rapid technological advancement, the growth of artificial intelligence (AI), and evolving workforce demands, she believes UT continues to innovate to ensure its graduates are ready to adapt to a changing global landscape.
“Indonesia is on a strong path of growth, and Universitas Terbuka plays a vital role in that journey. Its commitment to quality, technology adoption, research, and international collaboration provides a strong foundation for preparing lifelong learners for the future,” Linda said.
UT Rector Prof. Ali Muktiyanto stated that the ICDE quality review reflects the university’s commitment to embedding quality as an organizational culture. According to him, high-quality higher education must remain accessible and affordable for all members of society.
Similarly, UT Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs Prof. Rahmat Budiman emphasized that the entire academic community is committed not only to working with quality but also to continuously producing even higher quality outcomes. He expressed hope that government support for Universitas Terbuka would continue to grow, enabling the university to expand its contribution to developing Indonesia’s human capital toward the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045.
For Universitas Terbuka, the ICDE Quality Review 2026 represents more than an international evaluation. The review reaffirms that expanding access to higher education must go hand in hand with maintaining and strengthening quality. As public demand for flexible and high-quality higher education continues to grow, UT remains committed to advancing both objectives simultaneously.
