Open University Graduate Balances Work and Study, Creates Jobs and Wins International Awards
Universitas Terbuka (UT) held its Graduation Ceremony for the 2025/2026 Academic Year (Even Semester) for Region I on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, at the UT Convention Center (UTCC) in South Tangerang, Banten.
The event brought together thousands of graduates from various regions and overseas, including representatives from Banda Aceh, Medan, Batam, Serang, Pekanbaru, Jambi, Bengkulu, Jakarta, Surakarta, Malang, Majene, and Gorontalo, as well as international attendees.
One notable graduate is Imam Pesuwaryantoro, a visionary individual who proved that studying while working is not an obstacle to achieving both academic and professional excellence. The graduation ceremony was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Ali Mukertiyanto, S.E., M.Si., the Rector of Universitas Terbuka for the 2025–2030 period. The event was attended by various high-ranking officials, including the Secretary General of the Universitas Terbuka Alumni Association (IKA UT), officials from the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK RI), and representatives from Pertamina, as well as remarks from leaders of the Attorney General’s Office and the Audit Board of Indonesia.
Imam Pesuwaryantoro expressed his gratitude, stating that this graduation is not merely an academic title but proof that hard work, perseverance, and consistency lead to success. He believes that strategic communication and sustainability are not just concepts but a way of life that must be pursued, hoping his journey inspires the younger generation.
Imam’s story is particularly inspiring because, behind his academic achievements, he navigated a challenging journey. While studying Communication Science at Universitas Terbuka, he managed his time between studies and various professional endeavours. He worked at Plasticpay, a social enterprise focused on plastic waste management through Reverse Vending Machines (RVM), while also working as an online motorcycle taxi driver, a media consultant, and managing a boarding house business.
His achievements have been recognised in prestigious forums, including winning 1st Place at The Best Youth Innovation Speakup Forum during the Japan International Youth Innovation Summit (JIYIS) 2025 in Tokyo, and receiving The Best Team award at the 1st Youth Environmental Festival 2024 organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KEMENPORA) for his work on used cooking oil waste management.
Furthermore, Imam Pesuwaryantoro founded a Media Release Service Platform (Media Agency), a hub for mass media publication for corporate branding, press release distribution, and strategic communication campaigns. This platform originated from his Public Relations assignments during his seventh and eighth semesters.
Through this platform, he has demonstrated that combining business strategy with communication creativity can create a broad impact for pentahelix stakeholders, including academia, industry, government, communities, and MSMEs. Additionally, Imam has served as the Country Director of the Indonesian Global Network of Political Leaders, based in Washington D.C., USA, since 16 May 2024. This network gathers young leaders worldwide concerned with SDGs, sustainability, and youth movements.
The graduation serves as a testament to Universitas Terbuka’s commitment to producing graduates who are adaptive to modern challenges. His story stands as evidence that perseverance and the courage to dream can transform lives and inspire the youth to strive for a better future.