Dreams cannot simply be kept in the heart and mind; we must actively pursue them through determination and hard work. That is exactly what Rofi Arif Robbani has done.
While studying at SMA Negeri 1 Maos in Cilacap, Central Java, Rofi dedicated himself to academics, student organizations, research, and competitions. He believed that every responsibility deserved his full commitment and careful prioritization. When he had to complete a project for the Indonesian Student Research Olympiad (OPSI) while preparing for his final examinations, he chose to prioritize the research as a commitment to what he had already begun.
His dedication paid off. Rofi earned eight awards at the regency, national, and international levels. Among them were First Runner-up in the Tour Guide Competition at the Cilacap English Festival 2025, Second Place in the Cilacap Regency Community Innovation Competition (KRENOVA), Second Runner-up in the Pelita Fair 2023 Scientific Writing Competition at Universitas Tidar, First Place at the ELINS Festival, FMIPA UGM 2024, a Silver Medal at the Indonesia International Applied Science Project Olympiad (I2ASPO) 2023, and Bronze Medals at the International Science and Invention Fair (ISIF) 2023, the Youth International Science Fair (YISF) 2024, and the International Youth Business Competition (IYBC) 2024. Outside competitions, he also served as Head of the Literacy Ambassadors at the Griya Pasinaon Library and was an active member of his school’s Youth Scientific Club.
Among all those accomplishments, one experience remains especially memorable. Long before wearing UGM’s signature alma mater jacket, Rofi first stepped onto campus as a finalist in the 2024 Electronics and Instrumentation Festival (ELINS) organized by FMIPA UGM. Standing there, he quietly promised himself that he would one day return—not as a competitor, but as a UGM student. That determination only grew stronger after his team won first place.
“When I came to FMIPA UGM, I told myself that I had to be accepted into UGM, no matter what,” he recalled during an interview with the UGM Public Relations News Team on Friday (July 17).
Many of his classmates expected him to pursue science or engineering. Instead, Rofi chose psychology, driven by a desire to help raise public awareness of mental health. While awareness has grown among younger generations, he believes broader understanding is still needed across society. After completing his undergraduate studies, he hopes to continue to a professional psychology program or a master’s degree so he can contribute to improving mental health awareness and help resolve conflicts that often arise from differing perspectives within families.
One afternoon at his home in Adipala, Cilacap, just before the results of the National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP) were announced, Rofi asked his mother to come home so they could open the results together. Sitting in the family room, anxiety began to overwhelm him. Even before the webpage had fully loaded, tears welled up in his eyes as he imagined the possibility of rejection.
Moments later, fear gave way to overwhelming joy when the screen confirmed that he had been admitted to UGM’s Faculty of Psychology (Psychology UGM).
“The first thing I said was simply, ‘Huh, I got in,’” Rofi recalled.
His childhood dream had finally become reality.
The family’s happiness grew even greater shortly afterward when Rofi learned that he had received a full tuition subsidy (UKT 0). He was with friends when the announcement arrived and was initially confused by the amount of financial assistance UGM provided. After confirming that UGM had indeed reduced his tuition fee to zero, he immediately made a video call to his mother.
“It truly was a blessing for our family. I can now study with greater peace of mind without constantly worrying about tuition costs,” he said.
Behind Rofi’s success is his father, Hasan Ismail, who travels from house to house every morning selling fish throughout the Cilacap area. Some days he sells everything; on others, he returns home with unsold fish. Yet he never stops working, believing every effort is worthwhile if it gives his children a better opportunity to pursue their education.
“The important thing is that I keep trying. Whatever the result is, that’s our blessing,” he said.
Hasan admitted he was surprised when his young son first dreamed of studying at UGM. Even so, he fully supported that dream, believing education opens the door to broader opportunities. Seeing Rofi accepted into his dream university became one of the proudest moments of his life.
“I never imagined my son would be accepted to UGM. I hope Rofi studies well, continues to achieve, and has a brighter future,” he said.
Rofi’s journey has also been shaped by his mother, Suharti, the first person he turns to whenever he needs someone to listen. Her encouragement helped him recover from the pressures of studying and competing. Learning that her son had received a full tuition subsidy filled her not only with gratitude for the financial relief but also with peace of mind, knowing he could now pursue his dreams without worrying about tuition fees.
“I’m very grateful. Thank you, UGM. This zero-tuition assistance is a tremendous help, allowing Rofi to focus on his studies,” she said.
Today, Rofi sees studying at UGM not as the end of his journey but as the beginning of a new chapter. He hopes to become actively involved in student organizations, broaden his network, and discover the best ways to apply his knowledge for the benefit of society. For him, a university degree is not merely an academic qualification but a means of creating a positive impact on others.
Twelve years ago, a first-grade student spoke a simple dream without fully understanding what it meant. Today, that dream has become reality. For Rofi, UGM proves that dreams are never determined by one’s background but by the courage to believe in them and the determination to pursue them.
To young people who are still hesitant to chase their aspirations, he offers one message.
“Never think your dreams are too ambitious. Never believe you don’t have opportunities. Opportunities will always exist as long as we are willing to work for them. No matter the challenge, start. God willing, anything that begins with good intentions will lead to good results,” Rofi concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-Editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Firsto