Johar Ma’mun, a 22-year-old from the Accounting program at the UGM Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM), was among the 1,797 graduates conferred degrees on Wednesday (Aug. 28) at Grha Sabha Pramana.
Johar, a recipient of the KIP-K scholarship, graduated cum laude with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.75. He graduated with honors, and Johar secured a job at Ernst and Young, a public accounting firm.
Johar is the youngest of four siblings, born to Muhlasin (64) and Saminah (64). His father, a farmer from a small hamlet in Penggalang Village, Cilacap Regency, Central Java Province, did not complete elementary school. Yet, he was determined to ensure his children received an education. Johar is the first in his extended family to earn a college degree.
Attending university is a dream for many, and Johar was no exception. However, given his family’s economic situation, he never imagined he would be accepted at UGM.
“After junior high school, my father wanted me to continue my education at a pesantren (Islamic boarding school) since my entire family attended pesantren. However, my mother supported me in attending high school because of my good grades in junior high; I was always at the top of my class. My teachers also encouraged me to go to high school,” he explained.
This support strengthened Johar’s resolve to pursue higher education. He continued his studies at SMA N 1 Cilacap, where he excelled academically and participated in various competitions, including the Economics Olympiad.
After graduating high school, Johar openly expressed his desire to attend college to his parents. Understanding his family’s financial situation, Johar assured them he would seek a scholarship.
“At first, my parents were hesitant, but I explained that the government provided the KIP-K scholarship for students from underprivileged families. I assured them I would take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.
Johar applied for college through the 2020 national university test (SBMPTN) and was accepted at Diponegoro University. Despite his strong desire to attend UGM, he initially did not choose it due to the intense competition.
Although he had secured a place at another university, Johar’s heart was still set on UGM. He decided to take one last chance and applied to UGM through the independent admission test (UM) for the Accounting program at FEB UGM.
“When I found out I was accepted, I was overjoyed. My fear of not getting into UGM was unfounded. My parents immediately cried and offered prayers of gratitude upon hearing the news,” he revealed.
Johar acknowledged that the KIP-K scholarship was a significant help during his time at UGM. This scholarship enabled students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their dreams of pursuing higher education.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Johar, who wears glasses, was actively involved in various competitions and earned numerous accolades.
Some of his achievements include being the 1st Runner-up of the Audit Phoria 4.0 at Politeknik Keuangan Negara STAN (2023), 1st Winner of the Accounting Excellence Olympiad at Politeknik Keuangan Negara STAN (2023), 1st Runner-up of the Pekan Ilmiah Akuntansi (PIA) at Universitas Jenderal Soedirman (2023), 1st Runner-up of the Indonesia Sharia Financial Olympiad at the Financial Services Authority (2023), and 1st Winner of the LCC SEMARCOOPFEST at Universitas Sebelas Maret (2021).
Johar also interned at several companies and institutions in Indonesia to hone his skills before entering the workforce.
Johar’s story demonstrates that limitations do not have to be obstacles to achieving the highest levels of education. Through perseverance, hard work, and prayer, Johar, the son of a farmer from a small village, has proven that anything is possible.
“We can’t choose the family we’re born into. Never give up; as long as you have the ability and work hard, many opportunities and possibilities will come your way,” he advised.
Report by: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Editor: Gusti Grehenson