Jakarta. Representatives from the government, industry, and regional administrations came together at the Universitas Terbuka (UT) Graduation Seminar, underscoring the importance of collaboration in preparing future generations to meet evolving challenges.

Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Ternate Mayor Tauhid Soleman, executives from state-owned electricity company PLN, and regional leaders shared the stage to offer insights and inspiration to prospective graduates while reaffirming the value of cross-sector collaboration. That spirit of partnership became the central theme of this year's UT Graduation Seminar.

Held at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC) on Monday, the Graduation Seminar for the 2025/2026 Even Academic Semester brought together around 1,700 prospective graduates from across Indonesia. Beyond serving as a pre-graduation briefing, the event also marked an opportunity for UT to strengthen partnerships with key institutions.

The university signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PLN, represented by UT Rector Ali Muktiyanto and PLN Legal & Human Capital Director Nurlely Aman. Additional MoUs were signed with the Pariaman City Government, represented by Mayor Yota Balad, and the Ternate City Government, represented by Mayor Tauhid Soleman.

UT also signed a cooperation agreement for the 2025 Muamalat Benevolence Undergraduate Scholarship Program with Baitulmaal Muamalat, represented by Betsy E. Jiesral.

The partnerships reaffirm UT's commitment to expanding access to higher education, enhancing the quality of human resources, and delivering tangible benefits to society.

The seminar also featured motivational sessions and personal stories from prospective graduates. Motivational speaker Prof. Gorky M. Sembiring encouraged participants to take bold steps, embrace lifelong learning, and prepare for the challenges that lie beyond university.

The event also highlighted inspiring stories from several graduates, including Titik Sumarlin, the oldest prospective graduate; twin brothers Muhammad Rafly Syafarudin Yusuf and Muhammad Refly Syafarudin Yusuf, who completed their studies together; and married couple Iqbal Allie Bayhaqy and Galuh Tika Pratiwi, who will both earn degrees from Universitas Terbuka. Their journeys served as reminders that every path to graduation is shaped by perseverance and determination.

Through the seminar, UT emphasized that the journey of a graduate extends beyond academic achievement. By bringing together national leaders, strengthening strategic partnerships, and celebrating the diverse experiences of its students, the university aims to ensure graduates enter the next stage of their lives equipped with knowledge, networks, and the motivation to make meaningful contributions to society.

For UT, the Graduation Seminar is more than a companion event to the commencement ceremony. It represents the university's commitment to ensuring higher education produces graduates who can create a lasting positive impact on their communities.