Becoming the youngest graduate at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in the Undergraduate and Applied Undergraduate Commencement on Wednesday (Aug. 27) was a special achievement for Duiddo Imani Muhammad.
At the age of 20 and 5 months, he completed his bachelor’s degree in law in just 3 years and 7 months, graduating with a GPA of 3.64. By comparison, the average age of UGM bachelor graduates is 22 years, 6 months, and 15 days.
Known by his nickname Oi, he explained that he was able to graduate at the age of 20 because he began primary school at 5 years and 7 months old. In senior high school, he participated in an accelerated learning program, which enabled him to complete his studies in just two years.
“I entered primary school at 5 years and 7 months, and in senior high school I joined an accelerated class through the Fast Learning Group program,” he said on Wednesday (Sep. 3).
Oi’s interest in law stemmed from his family’s educational background, as many of them were law graduates. This exposure helped him understand the career prospects in the field early on, and he set his sights on becoming a notary while still in high school.
His ambition led him to intern at a notary’s office and publish a journal article on general meetings of shareholders (RUPS). In his article, he explored a legal gap regarding the notary profession, which is legally required to meet clients in person, while RUPS can now be conducted electronically.
“During my internship at a notary’s office, I found this issue: legislation requires notaries to meet clients physically, while shareholder meetings can now be held electronically. This creates a contradiction and a legal vacuum concerning the notary’s role as a public official authorized to draft deeds but bound to physical meetings,” he explained.
During his time at UGM, Oi did not only focus on academics but also actively developed his potential through student organizations. He chose DEMA Justicia as his platform for growth. According to Oi, the organization taught him risk management, emotional management, and energy management.
“I gained leadership experience, learned what it means to be a UGM student who is for the people, who is supposed to be humble. In the organization, I found all of that,” he shared.
Regarding his thesis, Oi wrote on “Analysis of the Conversion of Surat Ijo Land (Land Use Permits) into Land with Building Use Rights Certificates in Surabaya.” He explained that the Surabaya City Government owns large areas of land across the city, much of which has long been inhabited and used by local communities.
“I examined whether the city government’s land could be converted into land with building use rights,” he said.
Oi admitted that he encountered many challenges while working on his undergraduate thesis. However, his experience as a department head at DEMA Justicia helped him overcome these obstacles more easily. One example was his ability to obtain data more effectively for his research.
“Decision-making management really made a difference,” he said.
He also offered advice to his peers, urging them not to fall into FOMO (fear of missing out) by chasing things they do not truly need. He believes that everyone has a different path and their own strengths.
He emphasized the importance of not underestimating younger people’s thoughts and experiences, and reminded others not to push themselves beyond their mental, physical, and emotional limits. Equally important, he said, is preparing a good plan without comparing oneself to others.
“Keep your spirit alive, never give up, and don’t forget to stay adaptive,” he encouraged.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Photographs: Duiddo Imani Muhammad