Andini Dwi Lestari vividly remembers the tense moments of March 31, 2026. While anxiously waiting for the announcement of the 2026 National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP), the high school student from Cirebon and her mother, Siti Patonah, prayed together, hoping to see Andini’s name on the list of newly admitted students at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM).
When the blue notification appeared on the screen, indicating that she had been accepted into the Undergraduate Management Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), tears of joy immediately followed. Years of hard work and a dream she had nurtured since childhood had finally come true.
“I was so nervous, wondering whether I would be accepted or not. If I hadn’t made it, I would have had to prepare for the SNBT again. The moment I saw the blue notification, I immediately thanked God and hugged my mother while crying,” Andini recalled during a recent interview at her home.
The exciting news was immediately shared with her older sibling, an alumnus of UGM’s Department of Engineering Physics. Meanwhile, her father, Suryanto, who worked at an automotive repair shop in Cirebon, only learned of the news after returning home from work.
“My father immediately hugged me. He said he felt a mixture of emotions and an overwhelming sense of relief,” she said.
Pursuing a Lifelong Dream
Andini’s dream of studying at UGM began when she was still in elementary school. Inspired by her older sibling, who had previously studied at UGM, she became determined to follow the same path.
Beyond the university’s strong academic reputation, Andini chose UGM for its high-quality learning environment and extensive alum network, which she believes will support her future career.
Her interest in economics and business has grown over the years. Aspiring to become an entrepreneur, she chose the Management program to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve her goal.
Consistently Excelling in Academics
Throughout her academic journey, Andini has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance. From elementary through high school, she frequently ranked first in her class. At SMA Negeri 1 Cirebon, she graduated as the top student in the Social Sciences track and was recognized as the school’s highest-ranked eligible student for SNBP. In 2025, she also participated in the Cirebon City-level National Science Olympiad (OSN) in Economics.
According to Andini, maintaining academic excellence requires effective time management and the ability to set priorities. She has always made an effort to balance studying, leisure, and other activities.
“I always remind myself of my long-term dream of becoming an entrepreneur. That keeps me motivated to study,” she explained.
A Full Tuition Waiver Eases the Family’s Financial Burden
Behind Andini’s achievements stands the unwavering support of her family. Her parents have always instilled the values of honesty, discipline, and seeking God’s blessings in every effort she makes.
The family’s happiness grew even greater when Andini learned that she had received a 100 percent tuition subsidy from UGM, meaning her tuition fee (UKT) was fully waived. Previously, her mother had been worried about the costs of higher education, including tuition, living expenses, and accommodation during Andini’s studies in Yogyakarta.
“Alhamdulillah, I was so happy when I saw that my tuition fee was zero rupiah. It really helps ease my family’s financial burden,” she said.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Andini plans to gain professional work experience before pursuing a master’s degree if the opportunity arises.
She also shared a message for other students striving to achieve their dreams.
“Keep studying, keep trying, and never stop praying. If we sincerely give our best effort, there will always be a way.”
Family Support as the Foundation of Success
Meanwhile, Siti Patonah shared that she and her husband have always encouraged their children to pursue higher education. Siti, a high school graduate, and her husband, who completed junior high school, hope that Andini will have greater opportunities than they did.
Although financial limitations were a concern, the family remained determined to find ways to support Andini’s education. They had even applied for the Indonesia Smart College Card (KIP-K) scholarship, although the application was ultimately unsuccessful.
“The most important thing was for Andini to get into university first. As for the expenses, we believed there would always be a way, including through scholarships. Her older sibling also entered UGM through SBMPTN and received a KIP-K scholarship,” Siti explained.
She added that she and her husband have always taught their daughter the importance of prayer, perseverance, and resilience. They believe that each day should be an opportunity to become a better person than the day before.
“I always remind Andini never to lose hope, to keep striving and praying. Today should be better than yesterday, and tomorrow should be better than today. Above all, never disappoint your parents,” she said.
Siti also expressed her gratitude to UGM for providing her daughter with the opportunity to study and for granting the tuition subsidy.
“Thank you to UGM for accepting Andini and awarding her a full tuition waiver. We hope she will make the most of this opportunity, treat it as a trust to be honored, and use it to achieve her dreams so that the assistance she has received truly makes a difference,” she said.
Today, Andini’s journey to FEB UGM is not only a source of pride for her family but also a testament to the fact that great dreams can be achieved through perseverance, faith, and the unwavering support of loved ones.
Reported by: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals
