BATAM — For some people, the desire to pursue higher education can be met with various challenges: work commitments, the distance they have to travel, and the geographical conditions of where they live. However, these limitations do not always have to be reasons to stop learning.

This spirit was carried by Universitas Terbuka (UT) Batam through an Academic Seminar held as part of the Second Period Regional Graduation Ceremony for the Even Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year at the Pacific Palace Hotel Batam on Friday (28/8/2026).

Carrying the theme “Creating Innovative, Integrity-Driven, and Globally Minded Generations,” the seminar provided a space for prospective graduates to broaden their horizons as they prepared to complete their academic journey. It was not only about earning an academic degree, but also about how knowledge, character, and adaptability can serve as provisions for facing change.

Director of UT Batam, Dr. Pismia Sylvi, S.Si., M.Si., said that the prospective graduates came from various areas across Kepulauan Riau. This diversity, she said, demonstrates that opportunities to pursue higher education can be open to people with diverse circumstances and backgrounds.

“Distance, geographical conditions, work commitments, and individual responsibilities are not obstacles to continuing to learn and develop oneself,” Pismia said in her remarks.

Through the seminar, UT Batam encouraged its graduates not to stop developing themselves after earning their degrees. They are expected to be able to think creatively, act with integrity, have broad perspectives, and contribute to society, the nation, and the global environment.

Encouraging Graduates to Dare to Innovate

The academic seminar featured Head of the National Unity and Politics Agency of Kota Batam Riama Manurung, S.H., M.H., and Head of Social Empowerment at Kepulauan Riau Provincial Social Service Afitri Susanti, S.Psi., M.M., Ch.t., as speakers.

Riama highlighted the importance of maintaining character and national values amid changing times. She emphasized that progress needs to go hand in hand with strengthening the noble values that serve as the foundation of community life.

“The character of the nation is experiencing degradation, so let us look to the noble values contained in Pancasila as the foundation of community life,” she said.

She also encouraged UT Batam alumni to take on roles after completing their education. Graduates are expected to become drivers of research and innovation while upholding Pancasila values and the integrity of the nation.

“As alumni who drive research and innovation, Pancasila values preservationist and national integrity, and serve as global ambassadors who will bring honor to the nation, become pioneers of innovation, integrity, and international excellence,” she said.

Meanwhile, Afitri Susanti emphasized that future challenges require a generation that not only possesses academic abilities, but is also capable of adapting and maintaining integrity.

“The world needs a generation that is not only academically intelligent, but also adaptive, has integrity, and is ready to contribute to the world,” she said.

According to Afitri, technological developments should not only be used for personal interests, but should also be directed toward creating benefits for the wider community. She said that the courage to continue developing oneself and using one’s abilities positively is an important part of facing the future.

This spirit is in line with UT Batam’s efforts to provide distance education that gives people the flexibility to continue learning amid work and various responsibilities. Opportunities to expand networks, develop skills, and receive scholarship support are also part of the educational experience offered.

For people in Kepulauan Riau who continue to face challenges related to distance, work, or other commitments, the diverse backgrounds of UT Batam’s prospective graduates demonstrate that opportunities to pursue further education can still be pursued.

Ultimately, education is not only about completing university studies and earning a degree. Education also serves as a space to shape individuals who continue to learn, are capable of adapting, have integrity, and use their knowledge to benefit the communities and environment around them.