“Mom, Dad, I got the blue one!” Johan exclaimed to his parents on Tuesday afternoon, March 26, 2024, after returning from the graduation ceremony at school. That was the day the 2024 academic excellence-based entrance selection (SNBP) results were announced.
Sindak Manahara Rajaguguk (44) and Tiurma Lumban Raja (37) were initially confused. It wasn’t until Johan hugged and explained to them that they understood.
Soon, a joyful smile spread across the couple’s faces as they realized their eldest son, Johan Vylvius Rajaguguk (18), had been accepted into Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) without a test through the 2024 SNBP selection.
He was admitted to the Economics program at the UGM Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM). The couple, living in Nainggolan Village, Samosir Regency, North Sumatra, never expected their son to pursue higher education.
Not only did Johan pass the selection, but he was also awarded the 100% tuition subsidy (UKT 0) from UGM, exempting him from tuition fees throughout his studies. Additionally, Johan was identified as a strong candidate for the Indonesia Smart College Card (KIP-K) scholarship from the government.
“This is Johan’s dream. I’m happy to hear that. We, as parents, always pray for his success,” said Sindak Rajaguguk.
Although they come from humble backgrounds and work daily in their inherited rice fields, Sindak Rajaguguk and Tiurma Raja have always been determined to ensure their children can attend university. They want their children to avoid the same fate they had, where both only graduated from junior high school.
“We, the parents, have failed. We don’t want our children to face the same fate. We do everything we can to ensure our children can study well and reach higher education,” Rajaguguk explained recently.
The couple dreams of seeing their children graduate from top universities in Indonesia. Despite their concerns about the costs, they always encourage their children to study diligently to achieve good grades.
Rajaguguk believes there will be a way if someone strives for the best. Fortunately, Johan was an obedient child who studied diligently and with a strong will.
Johan consistently achieved outstanding academic performance from elementary school to high school. This alleviated his parents’ worries, as they believed their son’s desire to attend university could come true near Sumatra or elsewhere.
“I can’t express the happiness when I found out Johan was accepted into FEB UGM, and for free,” Rajaguguk said, tearing up.
Tiurma Raja, Johan’s mother, felt joyful and grateful for her eldest son’s achievement. With teary eyes, she expressed her hope that Johan would excel in his studies and quickly find a job to help improve their family’s situation.
She also hopes her youngest son, who is about to enter high school, will follow in Johan’s footsteps.
“Hopefully, his brother will set an example for him. We are very grateful to FEB UGM for accepting Johan. It’s a great pride for us. We never expected our son to be accepted without a test and to study for free,” she said.
Pursuing College to Break the Poverty Cycle
Since elementary school, Johan has dreamed of attending university. He believes higher education is the key to breaking his family’s cycle of poverty.
Despite being doubted by some for dreaming of attending UGM, one of Indonesia’s top universities, Johan remained determined. He worked hard and excelled at every level of his education.
At SD N 3 Nainggolan, Johan consistently ranked first. The same was true at SMP N 1 Nainggolan and SMA N 1 Pangururan, where he consistently ranked among the top students.
Johan also achieved non-academic success, including winning the National Student Art Competition Festival (FLS2N) for Pantomime at the Nainggolan District level (2017), winning 2nd place in the Cultural Festival Competition for Crafts at the Samosir Regency level (2023), and achieving Grade A at the Grand Final of the USU Student Olympiad (2023).
Initial Doubts
Johan admitted feeling doubtful and pessimistic about applying to university through the SNBP pathway. He feared he wouldn’t pass, competing with thousands of students nationwide.
He lived far from the Medan city center, in a village with limited facilities.
“Being accepted into FEB UGM was the happiest moment for me. Before, I felt pessimistic and afraid of not being accepted,” Johan admitted.
Despite his parents initially preferring he attend a non-paying civil service school, Johan’s strong desire to attend UGM never wavered. He promised his parents he would find a scholarship to avoid being a financial burden.
“I promised to find a scholarship so as not to burden them. I told my parents, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll find a way. I’ll get a scholarship,’” he explained.
Aspiring to Be a Fashion Entrepreneur
Johan chose FEB UGM because he dreams of starting a fashion business. To support his dream, he excelled in economics since high school.
Johan was initially unsure about which program to choose but ultimately decided on the Economics program due to its challenging nature and promising career prospects.
“Praise God, I passed the SNBP pathway. I didn’t expect to pass through this achievement pathway since my school isn’t considered one of the top schools,” he said.
Johan is overjoyed because he has fulfilled his promise to secure a scholarship that will allow him to study without tuition fees.
At this point, Johan is more convinced of the power of prayers and God’s will for those who strive. “As long as we are with God, believe that success will come through His power,” he concluded.
Reportage: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Editor: Agung Nugroho