Education is a fundamental need for everyone and a means for a nation to progress and become more civilized. However, the desire to pursue higher education, such as attending university, often faces obstacles, including financial constraints.
Recognizing this, BSI (Bank Syariah Indonesia) donated scholarships worth IDR 2.3 billion to assist students from economically disadvantaged families with their tuition fees.
Ficko Hardowiseto, Regional CEO of PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk Region Office VII Semarang, symbolically handed over the scholarship to Dr. Arie Sujito, UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, on Tuesday (Oct. 1) in the UGM Leadership Room.
Ficko Hardowiseto stated that this scholarship program is an annual initiative funded by the company’s zakat (alms) from BSI’s profits.
“The BSI Scholarship program is a routine activity of BSI because, as a Sharia bank, we always allocate corporate zakat. This aligns with our tagline that BSI is a financial, social, and spiritual companion,” explained Hardowiseto.
He also hoped the scholarship program would benefit the university and the UGM students.
“Hopefully, this will be useful for UGM and the students,” he said.
Dr. Sujito thanked BSI for providing scholarships to UGM students. He agreed with Hardowiseto that this initiative is not just about funding but also carries social and spiritual significance.
“This collaboration is not merely about funding; it also has spiritual and social values,” explained Dr. Sujito.
Furthermore, the vice-rector added that he and all relevant parties at UGM are working hard to ensure that the existing scholarship programs continue aligning with UGM’s values as a “people’s university.”
“The university will strive to continue accommodating students so they can complete their education,” he emphasized.
Author: Hanif
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto