Universitas Gadjah Mada
Faculty of Economics and Business

It was an emotional moment that was captured at the graduation ceremony of postgraduate students of the Master of Science (MSi) program at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UGM, Wednesday (4/24). Ulfatun Nikmah (26), Accounting-MSc 2021, tried to remain strong as she read her speech as the best graduate representative for this period. However, the tears in her eyes became uncontrollable when she mentioned the names of her parents, who contributed so much to her success in her studies. Occasionally, she would stop reading her remarks and sigh as she wiped away the tears that continued to flow.

This Jepara-born girl completed her Master of Science in Accounting study program in 1 year, 10 months and 24 days with a GPA of 3.89. This achievement is one of the most outstanding achievements in Ulfatun's life.

As a child born and raised in a simple family in Wedelan, a small village in Jepara Regency, access to education up to university is a luxury. In addition, her father, Muhlasin (54), is the sole breadwinner of the family, working as a wood carver with an uncertain monthly income. Meanwhile, her mother, Masruroh (48), is a housewife.

"Ever since I was little, my neighbors used to make fun of me. You're the son of a woodcarver who eats only crackers. If you have the fortune to send your children to school, let alone graduate from college, they might drop out in the middle of the road," she said, holding back tears as she recalled what happened back then.

The ridicule did not dampen Ulfatun's enthusiasm for achieving the highest possible education. In fact, it became a strong motivation for him to excel and break the stigma that village children with limited economic resources find it difficult to continue their studies.
Ulfatun's journey to achieve her dream was not an easy one. When she wanted to continue her studies, she faced strong opposition from her parents. It's not that they didn't support Ulfatun to go to college, but her parents always reminded her of her family's modest living conditions, which made it very difficult to pay for college. Not to mention that her parents still have to pay her younger brother's school fees.

"At that time, my father did not allow me to continue studying for a bachelor's degree, or even if I wanted a master's degree, because I couldn't afford it; there was no money. However, I am the type of child who is naughty, so I keep explaining to my parents that if I go to college, I can get a decent job and help send my younger siblings to school," said the SMK N 3 Jepara graduate.

With determination and burning enthusiasm, she tried to excel in school. Perseverance and hard work in studying bring sweet results. She has always been at the top of her class, from elementary school to high school. In fact, she often represents the school in various competitions.

Thanks to her achievements, Ulfatun was able to enter an undergraduate program at one of the state universities in Semarang through the Scholarship Program. She also received a Bidikmisi scholarship, which is intended for outstanding students from underprivileged families. Ulfatun again had the opportunity to continue her master's studies at UGM for free with a scholarship from LPDP RI.

While studying for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, Ulfatun works part-time, tutoring children and participating in various projects with her friends.

Ulfatun is currently working at an information technology consulting company in Yogyakarta. In the future, however, she still has a strong desire to continue her doctoral studies. In her mind, she wants to become a lecturer and contribute to the advancement of education in Indonesia.

"No idea is too big, even for those with limitations. Therefore, if your goals have not been achieved, increase your efforts and prayers to achieve them," she said.

Muhlasin was very grateful and proud that his daughter was finally able to pursue a college education, even to the master's level. At first, he admitted that it was difficult for Ulfatun to leave the university because he was not financially able.

"Because of her achievements, she was offered a job in one of the PNMs in Jepara. But Ulfatun insisted that she still wanted to study and asked us not to consider the cost because she would look for a scholarship. So the child just asked us to pray at that time," he explained.

It never occurred to Muhlisin that his eldest daughter would be able to experience college. This achievement was like quenching Muhlisin's thirst for education. It's just that the family's economic problems are currently stopping his dream of continuing his studies in high school. He had to settle for completing his education through junior high school.

"The hope is that Ulfatun can become a successful person and benefit society, the nation and the state," he said.

Although they were born into families with difficult economic conditions, they both proved that financial limitations are not an obstacle to achieving education up to university level. FEB UGM, as part of a higher education institution, has a firm commitment to achieving quality, equitable and inclusive higher education for all groups, including disadvantaged families, people with disabilities and 3T areas. This policy is implemented to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Reportage: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum