MATARAM — A birthday is usually a reason to celebrate the age. However, for Universitas Terbuka (UT), 42 years is more than just a number. It is a moment to look back on the journey that has been taken while also looking ahead to the future of education.
The atmosphere was felt during the ‘tasyakuran’ of the 42nd Dies Natalis UT. held at UT Mataram in Kota Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Barat, on Monday (14/9/2026). Carrying the theme “Going Global Through Innovation, Making an Impact on the Nation,” this event provided a space to talk about innovation, education, and the people behind both.
For 42 years, UT has continued to expand access to higher education across Indonesia, reaching students in more than 58 countries. This reach shows that distance is no longer a barrier to obtaining an education. However, the farther education reaches into society, the more important it becomes to ensure that the knowledge provided can bring benefits.
Before the thanksgiving ceremony participants, UT Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto, S.E., M.Si., reminded them that innovation cannot rely solely on intelligence. Innovation needs direction so that the progress it produces remains grounded in values.
“Innovation without a foundation of morality and high superiority is like a ship without a compass,” Ali said.
The message served as a reminder that innovation is not merely about introducing something new. It also carries the responsibility of ensuring that knowledge and intelligence are used to provide benefits.
The importance of values was also highlighted in a religious lecture by Prof. Syeikh H. Abdul Somad Batubara, Lc., D.E.S.A., Ph.D. He positioned education as one of the keys to the progress and dignity of a nation. According to him, changing times require people to continue learning and developing their knowledge and skills.
Abdul Somad did not present the idea merely as a theory. He shared his own educational journey. In the past, he wanted to work and live a simple life. However, his mother’s encouragement to continue his education led him to pursue further studies, eventually continuing his education in Egypt.
The experience shows how the decision to continue pursuing education can open new opportunities in a person’s life journey.
For Abdul Somad, education is not only about academic achievement. Education also shapes people so they can face difficulties, continue striving, and stand independently.
This is where the theme “Going Global Through Innovation, Making an Impact on the Nation” finds its meaning. Going global is not merely about how far UT can reach the world. Innovation is also not simply about creating something new. Both require people who continue learning, uphold values, and are capable of turning knowledge into benefits.
From Mataram, UT’s 42nd anniversary serves as a reminder that the farther education advances, the more important the direction it takes becomes. Innovation must continue to be developed, access to education must be expanded, but knowledge and morality must remain its foundation.
Because meaningful education does not merely open the door for someone to reach the future, but also opens the way for the knowledge they possess to make an impact on the nation.
