Riyanta (49) broke into tears, unable to hold back his emotions, as he shared the news that his only child, Ahmad Yuli Setiawan, had been accepted into the UGM Faculty of Animal Science (Animal Science UGM) in 2024 through the academic excellence-based entrance selection (SNBP) pathway.
He could hardly believe that his son, commonly called Awan, could get into UGM without taking a test and without any fees after receiving a 100% subsidy from UGM on the single tuition fee (UKT), making his education free until graduation.
“I still can’t fully believe it,” Riyanta said, his voice shaking.
The pride and emotion are understandable. Riyanta felt he hadn’t played a significant role in Awan’s education, including having the idea of his son attending university. Moreover, Awan attended no paid tutoring sessions during high school, either at school or outside.
“I didn’t have the money to pay for tutoring. I also still owe his high school one and a half million,” the father said.
Riyanta and Wantinem are Awan’s parents. Riyanta works as a farm laborer and takes on additional jobs such as cattle grazing and night watch at a special education school near their home. Wantinem is a homemaker, but her health has declined after falling three times.
“I have limited mobility due to my illness. Maybe there’s some nerve damage in my legs. I sometimes need therapy,” Wantinem explained, accompanied by Riyanta at their home in Kauman, Bantul.
Animal Science UGM: Awan’s First Choice
Since high school, Awan has wanted to study at Animal Science UGM. His family’s history influenced this dream. His grandparents owned cattle, and Awan grew up herding and bathing cows in the river.
“Since high school, my choice has been Animal Science UGM,” Awan said.
Despite the family’s economic limitations, Awan has always been diligent. To reach his goal of studying at UGM, he would study early in the morning after Fajr prayers to catch up with his friends who attended tutoring sessions. He was also not shy about asking teachers for help with subjects he didn’t understand.
A Well-Rounded Student: Academic Excellence and Active Participation in Organizations
Ahmad Yuli Setiawan (Awan), born in Bantul on July 22, 2005, was active in the Red Cross Youth (PMR) and the Children’s Forum. During his studies at SMAN 3 Bantul, he had excellent report card grades and participated in competitions like PMI, speech contests, and quizzes.
He achieved several accolades, including second and third place in district-level MTQ speech competitions, top 20 in an excursion competition, and second place in a regency-wide quiz competition in Bantul in 2022.
Now that he has been accepted into Animal Science UGM, Awan is determined to use the opportunity wisely. He aims to continue his studies up to the master’s level.
“I thank my parents for all their prayers, which helped me overcome many obstacles and finally succeed in getting into UGM,” Awan said.
Awan and other students from across the country still have the opportunity to study at UGM. The state university is open to everyone, and financial issues are not a barrier for those who are determined and have exemplary achievements.
“There are many scholarships available at Animal Science UGM. Besides the KIP Kuliah program, we also have partnerships with industries and alumni to ease the financial burden,” explained the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of Animal Science UGM, Dr. R. Ahmad Romadhoni Surya Putra.
Reportage: Animal Science UGM/Satria
Editor: Agung Nugroho