EduAsiaNews, Tangerang Selatan – For many Indonesian high school graduates, pursuing higher education remains an unrealized dream. The challenge extends beyond tuition fees to include living expenses such as accommodation, transportation, and daily necessities. These financial burdens are considered one of the main reasons why Indonesia’s Gross Enrollment Rate (GER) in higher education remains at approximately 34 percent, meaning that only about one-third of senior high school graduates and their equivalents continue to tertiary education.
This was conveyed by Moh. Muzammil, Director of Universitas Terbuka (UT) Jakarta, during the university’s New Student Orientation Program (OSMB) held in South Tangerang.
According to Muzammil, Indonesia’s higher education GER still lags behind that of several other countries, including South Korea, where the enrollment rate has reached around 90 percent. The disparity highlights the significant challenges Indonesians continue to face in accessing higher education, particularly due to economic constraints.
“The cost of education does not end with tuition fees. Accommodation, transportation, and daily living expenses are additional financial considerations for many families,” Muzammil said.
He explained that many high school graduates must carefully calculate the additional costs associated with studying away from home. As a result, many postpone or even abandon their plans to attend university because of the high cost of housing and transportation.
To help address these challenges, Universitas Terbuka has adopted an online distance learning system. Through this model, students can pursue their studies from their hometowns without relocating or living near the university.
“Students can attend classes from their own regions, allowing them to significantly reduce their living expenses,” he explained.
The distance learning model represents one of UT’s strategic efforts to expand access to more inclusive higher education. It also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by providing broader educational opportunities for learners across Indonesia.
For the 2026 Academic Year, UT Jakarta welcomed more than 20,000 new students. Most opted for the university’s online learning system, which offers greater flexibility, especially for those who are already employed or reside far from campus.
Muzammil added that the Management, Law, and Primary School Teacher Education (PGSD) programs remain the most popular choices among new students. Despite its flexibility, however, distance education requires a high level of commitment, discipline, and effective time management.
Meanwhile, Adrian Sutawijaya, Vice Rector of Universitas Terbuka, emphasized that the university has prepared a wide range of learning facilities to support students’ academic success. Nevertheless, he stressed that successful study ultimately depends on students’ consistency in making full use of these resources.
“Set aside time every day to read your course modules. Read at least five pages each day so that your learning progresses gradually and consistently,” Adrian advised.
He also encouraged students to develop strong independent learning habits from the beginning of their studies to ensure they can successfully complete every stage of their academic journey.
Through the New Student Orientation Program (OSMB), Universitas Terbuka not only introduces new students to its distance learning system but also instills the importance of self-directed learning as the foundation for success in Indonesia’s open and distance higher education system.
