Erwan Yova Ady Pratama was unable to hide his excitement after hearing that he finally had the opportunity for free study at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The young man born in Ponorogo, East Java, on 20 April 1998, was announced to be accepted at UGM through the national joint entrance test (SNMPTN) 2016. With the Bidikmisi scholarship, Yova will be able to study Mechanical Engineering for free at Mechanical Engineering and Industry Department of Faculty of Engineering UGM.
“I was very excited to be accepted at UGM. I was really grateful that I would be able to make my dream come true,” said Yova when met at his home in Ponorogo recently.
The oldest child of Suwarso (47) and Wiji Lestari (39) did not expect to go to the famous university in Indonesia remembering the modest condition of his family. The income of his father, a motorcycle taxi driver, is only enough to meet their daily needs. His mother is a housemaker who has to care for his two young siblings.
“My father earns 30 thousand daily from his job riding a motor taxi everyday,” he said.
Yova understanding the condition never pushed his parents for him to studying at college. He did not give up, either, to always fight back the limited conditions by studying hard and making achievements. Many have been made by him. Since elementary school to high school, he always became the best student. He also earned a scholarship for 3 year-study.
He made achievements at the national level. The alumnus of SMA 1 Ponorogo became the first winner in the National Maritime Paper Competition 2016 organised by ITS. Then, he was the third winner in Paper Statistika Nasional 2015 organised by IPB and STIS; and third winner in essay writing competition on the Importance of Education for East Java Province.
Later, when he is already at Faculty of Engineering, he wants to be like former President Habibie, his idol, that contributed something beneficial to the country.
“I have already some ideas, actually, I want to produce something like Mr.Habibie did,” said Yova who wants to join the UGM’s Bimasakti automotive team.
Suwarso was also happy and proud that his son would be able to make his dream come true studying at UGM. Not much he would do except praying and supporting his son for his future successes.
“I hope he can meet his goals and able to help his little brother and sister in education in the future,” he said.