YOGYAKARTA – Becoming a graduate that passes cum laude in his study from UGM Graduate School on Thursday (25/7) has given a pride to Yanuarius Boko, 39. He has completed his study in one year and six months, sooner than his classmates which is averagely two years and seven months. “Personally, I am glad and thankful to graduate cum laude. I didn’t expect it,” said Boko who has GPA 3.77.
The man born in Bonan, Belu regency in East Nusa Tenggara earned his degree from Peace and Conflict Resolution Magister in the Graduate School. He had chosen the study programme as his place of origin needs a mediator for conflict vulnerabilities potential. “I was very much interested in this study programme as my region is one of three regencies that is bordering with Timor Leste, which has conflict potential, particularly agrarian,” said the father of two children.
There are some 14 thousands of Timor Leste population who had opted to become Indonesian nationals after the referendum in 1999. In general, they occupy the lands belonging to the local people and that are provided by the government. “If we are not anticipating this, in the next five or ten years, the potential for a conflict may become real,” said the son of the late Johanes Boko and Theresia Abuk.
Boko recounts the story when he found it difficult the early period of study in 2011 in the Peace and Conflict Resolution. It was because after becoming a civil servant for eight years since 2003, he could not read much readings and had not enough information. “I’m from Eastern Indonesia, you know, IT access is much left behind there. It was very difficult for me back then, I was scared and pessimistic,” he said.
Fortunately, Boko said, lecturers and classmates came to give him encouragement until he was able to resolve his problems. “My philosophy is that my studies are funded by the government, which means society, so, I wanted to give the best,” he revealed.
After graduating from UGM, Boko plans to resume work as a staff at the regency office of Belu. He can use his knowledge to contribute to the local government and community there to support development. “I would invite them to manage conflict well in order that developments can go smoothly,” he concluded.