A total of 670 Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) students who are recipients of the Indonesia smart college card (KIP-Kuliah) scholarship and 24 students receiving the higher education affirmative scholarship program, Afirmasi Dikti, participated in a preparatory program held at the Grha Sabha Pramana on Tuesday (Dec. 2, 2025). The program is expected to motivate scholarship recipients to complete their studies on time with responsibility and integrity.
UGM Director of Student Affairs, Dr. Hempri Suyatna, stated that the program is important for building students’ financial literacy so they can manage educational assistance wisely and avoid falling into consumerist spending habits.
“This activity is intended to provide input for scholarship recipients, particularly in financial literacy, so they can manage their finances properly and avoid a consumptive lifestyle. We hope this will serve as capital for students to complete their studies on time, and the Directorate of Student Affairs will continue to assist,” he said.
UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, emphasized that the state’s consistency in providing educational assistance is a constitutional mandate that must be utilized by students to the fullest.
He stressed that scholarships are not merely facilities, but moral responsibilities.
“Use this scholarship to support your success. Do not use it for harmful activities such as online gambling or burdensome lifestyles. Knowledge must be applied to society, and sharing does not make us poor,” he remarked.
Vice-Rector Sujito also encouraged students to remain active in student organizations, develop skills beyond the classroom, and uphold the character of UGM students who are critical and adaptive.
The financial literacy session was delivered by Vice-Dean for Student Affairs at the UGM Vocational College (SV UGM), Dr. Leo Indra Wardhana, who highlighted the financial challenges faced by students due to Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and You Only Live Once (YOLO) culture, as well as the temptations of digital consumption.
He warned that consumptive behavior, the use of pay-later services, and online loans could trigger serious financial problems.
“Online loans are dangerous entities, with interest rates reaching 0.4 percent per day. Every rupiah you save is freedom for your future,” he said.
He also shared strategies for managing six-month scholarship funds, such as creating a realistic budget, separating spending accounts, locking savings balances, and setting weekly spending limits to help students avoid running out of funds early in the period.
The program also featured the Chair of the KIP-K and ADik Working Team from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Dr. Muni Ika, who emphasized that improving the quality of human resources is a key agenda in national development.
Dr. Muni Ika underscored that scholarship recipients play a strategic role in enhancing national competitiveness.
“Higher education provides a rapid contribution to developing excellent human resources. You have chosen the right path to become successful individuals,” Dr. Muni Ika stated.
He concluded by outlining four principles for academic success: commitment, contribution, collaboration, and adaptability.
“Commitment means graduating on time with a strong GPA; there is no negotiation. Success is not achieved alone; it is achieved through collaboration. I hope you all become successful individuals,” he said.
The preparatory program concluded with a ceremonial handover of KIP-K identification cards to two student representatives.
Through this initiative, UGM hopes that scholarship recipients will pursue their studies with integrity, uphold the trust placed in them by the state, and make the most of the opportunities provided to become outstanding, independent, and socially beneficial young generations.
Authors: Hanifah and Kezia
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian