MATARAM — A sense of relief, pride, and hope accompanied the 445 graduates of Universitas Terbuka (UT) Mataram as they donned their graduation gowns on Saturday (August 22, 2026). After completing a learning journey that was not always easy, graduation day was not merely about receiving their diplomas. A new responsibility now awaits them: bringing their knowledge back to the communities where they live and work.
The atmosphere was evident during the UT Mataram Graduation Ceremony for Period II of 2026, held at Lombok Raya Mataram. Based on Rector’s Decrees of Universitas Terbuka No. 698 and 1099 of 2026, a total of 445 students were declared graduates during this period.
Director of UT Mataram Ronny Basista said the graduates’ journey should not end when they take off their graduation gowns. They are expected to emerge as educated individuals capable of helping address community challenges while providing solutions for the development of Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB).
This expectation has grown stronger as the regional government has opened wider opportunities for higher education institutions to participate in development. The NTB Provincial Government, through the Regional Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA), stated that it is ready to receive contributions from academics through ideas, research, and policy recommendations that can respond to regional needs.
Of the approximately 45 study programs managed by UT, many graduates in this period came from the Law, Management, and Primary School Teacher Education (PGSD) study programs. They came from diverse backgrounds and pursued their education through the distance learning system.
This is because studying at UT does not always take place in classrooms or follow uniform schedules. The Distance Learning (Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh – PJJ) system requires students to manage their time, study independently, and adapt to technology.
Director of UT’s Graduate School Maman Rumanta said this characteristic is one of the strengths of UT graduates.
“Our fundamental difference from conventional universities is that our education is highly applicable,” Maman said.
He gave the example of a student who works as a police officer and is enrolled in the Law study program. The material learned in college does not remain merely theoretical, but can be directly applied to their daily operational duties.
This approach has also made the UT student population increasingly diverse. Maman said that 82 percent of UT students are from Generation Z, particularly in urban areas. The flexibility of learning is an attraction for young people who want to continue working while pursuing higher education.
The strong interest is reflected in the number of new UT students who have completed their re-registration nationwide, which has reached approximately 180,000. As a Legal Entity State University (PTNBH) with an “Excellent” accreditation, UT continues to strengthen its role in expanding access to higher education while pursuing its goal of becoming a World-Class University.
However, an academic degree alone is not enough. Head of the NTB Provincial BRIDA I Gede Putu Aryadi, who attended on behalf of the Governor of NTB, reminded the graduates not to become complacent. Instead, they are expected to become part of the change, particularly in addressing three key NTB agendas: poverty alleviation, strengthening food security, and developing sustainable tourism.
This is where the journey of the 445 UT Mataram graduates finds its meaning. Education does not end on paper; it should be transformed into ideas, action, and benefits. This spirit is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly efforts to ensure quality education while promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
Because ultimately, graduation day is not about who reaches the finish line first. Graduation is about someone finally arriving at a certain point and then choosing to move forward once again, this time with knowledge in their hands and hope on their shoulders, ready to make a meaningful contribution to NTB.
