Universitas Terbuka at the Forefront of Green, Inclusive, and Digital Education: UI GreenMetric National Meeting 2025 Strengthens Commitment to Sustainability

On September 23-25, Universitas Terbuka (UT) hosted the Galeri Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh (PTJJ) UT 2025 in collaboration with the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, bringing together university leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts from across Indonesia. Held at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center in South Tangerang, this two-day national forum served as a dynamic platform to advance innovation in higher education through the integration of sustainable campus practices and inclusive, technology-driven learning systems that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As the country’s pioneer in distance education, UT has consistently demonstrated that expanding educational access can go hand in hand with environmental stewardship. The event showcased how digital learning models not only democratize education but also significantly reduce the environmental footprint of higher education. UT reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that its institutional practices and infrastructure are aligned with both national sustainability frameworks and global environmental standards.

The importance of the event was further underscored by the presence and support of key government officials. Nezar Patria, Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, emphasized the strategic role of digital transformation in education and sustainability, particularly in bridging disparities across regions. Rasio Ridho Sani, a senior official from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, reinforced the government’s support for universities in leading climate action through green campus development, research, and community engagement.

Alongside government representatives, the meeting also featured contributions from prominent Indonesian universities, including Universitas Padjadjaran, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Universitas Negeri Surabaya and Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa. Speakers shared institutional innovations and best practices in areas such as energy efficiency, sustainable waste and water systems, smart infrastructure, low-emission transport, and environmental education. These exchanges reflected a strong collective commitment to transforming Indonesian higher education into a model for sustainability.

The event also served as a moment to encourage wider participation in the UI GreenMetric 2025 Rankings, with submissions open until October 31 and global results to be announced in December. As universities continue to evaluate their performance across UI GreenMetric indicators, the meeting served as a powerful reminder that higher education has a critical role to play in advancing climate resilience, technological innovation, and social inclusion.

With Universitas Terbuka leading the charge—and in close collaboration with UI GreenMetric and national government agencies—Indonesia’s higher education sector is well-positioned to shape a greener, smarter, and more inclusive academic future.