For some, staying in their comfort zone may feel secure, but not for Fajar Munichputranto, a student in the Master of Business Administration Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM). Despite many considerations, after years in the banking industry and leading a renewable energy company, Munichputranto chose a new path: pursuing a double degree at The University of Queensland to deepen his understanding of management and sustainability.
The student began his career in the banking industry, where he worked for six years, steadily advancing his professional experience. However, amid his routine, he felt a growing desire to make a greater impact on society and the environment.
He shared this aspiration with those around him, and soon, an opportunity emerged. He decided to join his family’s business in the waste-to-energy sector, which focuses on converting organic waste into renewable energy.
At his new workplace, PT Cipta Visi Sinar Kencana, Munichputranto eventually became Deputy Director, responsible for project planning and technical design involving various multinational companies.
Through this experience, he realized that waste management is not merely a matter of technology and infrastructure, but also of business strategy and public awareness.
This realization marked a turning point in his career. More than just a personal ambition, it motivated him to enhance his managerial knowledge through the International MBA Program at FEB UGM in 2023, under a double-degree scheme.
Munichputranto considered this program the right choice to broaden his local and global perspectives while developing sustainable business approaches.
“I also want to learn how other countries manage waste while finding approaches that can be applied in Indonesia,” he said during an interview at The University of Queensland on Friday (Oct. 31).
Munichputranto’s journey did not stop there. His passion for learning and contributing to Indonesia led him to receive the prestigious LPDP scholarship, one of the country’s most competitive scholarship programs.
He admitted feeling nervous during the selection process, especially because he had not yet received a Letter of Acceptance at the time of his interview. Writing the required essay was also challenging, as it required him to clearly articulate his goals and contributions to Indonesia.
“In my essay, I raised the issue of waste management since I have firsthand experience in the waste-to-energy business. I wanted to bring new insights about public education and consumer behavior related to waste sorting,” he explained.
Reflecting on his success in obtaining the scholarship, Munichputranto shared several tips for prospective LPDP double degree applicants. He emphasized the importance of focusing on issues relevant to Indonesia’s context.
“Choose a topic that relates to Indonesia’s specific challenges and can be studied from a global perspective. Patience is also key because a double degree program is long and demanding. The process is not as fast as a regular program, but the results are truly rewarding,” he said.
Having spent six years in the banking industry after graduating from IPB University, Munichputranto believes that his professional experience has laid a solid foundation for his career. He is grateful that this background has strengthened his communication skills, as he was often required to present reports effectively.
“This habit trained me to answer questions in a structured and meaningful way during the LPDP interview. The panel could immediately tell whether our answers were convincing or not. The ability to express ideas concisely yet sharply is extremely important,” he shared.
Munichputranto chose The University of Queensland for his double-degree program due to its strong research reputation in consumer behavior, a field closely aligned with his interest in promoting behavioral change for improved waste management.
“At this university, every business idea is developed through clear stages, from ideation and validation to pitching and achieving early revenue. The entrepreneurial spirit is incredibly strong. UQ has a very active entrepreneurship ecosystem through UQ Ventures, and I have joined their programs,” he said.
The student expressed gratitude to FEB UGM for shaping his way of thinking. He will always carry the core values of integrity, professionalism, and equality instilled during his studies.
“I am grateful for all the lessons and experiences I gained through the double degree program abroad. They have taught me to appreciate differences, especially during discussions,” Munichputranto concluded.
Reporter: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Salma