With unwavering determination, Cahya Danu Rahman, 33, proves that a modest family background is no obstacle to great success. Born and raised in a humble family – with a father who completed high school and a mother who completed junior high school – this man from Tangerang became the top graduate of the Master in Development Economics (MEP) program at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM) with a GPA of 3.85 at the Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony, Academic Year 2024/2025, Period III.
Cahya was awarded the 2023 Postgraduate Scholarship from the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). Before pursuing his master’s degree, he graduated from the Polytechnic of Statistics (STIS) and worked at Statistics Indonesia (BPS) from 2017 to 2023. In August 2023, he started his studies at MEP FEB UGM, specializing in sustainable economic development.
Cahya explained that he chose the MEP FEB UGM program because its focus aligned with his work at BPS, where he manages development-related data in Indonesia. During his studies, he gained valuable insights from the faculty, who taught and broadened his perspective on various economic and welfare phenomena. His two thesis advisors, Dr. Evi Noor Afifah and Wisnu Setiadi Nugroho, Ph.D., influenced his mindset, worldview, and socioeconomic analytical skills.
Cahya actively researched and participated in various student organizations beyond his academic pursuits. One of his achievements was winning first place in the 2024 “I Get Code” competition organized by the MEP Student Association (HIMMEP UGM) with a paper titled “Quantifying Household Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Determinants in Jabodetabek Area, Indonesia,” which he co-authored with two fellow students.
For his thesis, Cahya examined the impact of the nickel downstream policy through smelter development on the welfare of households in nearby areas. The ongoing discourse on the downstream policy—its potential negative externalities and its impact on community welfare—sparked his interest.
Although he graduated with an excellent GPA, Cahya admitted struggling to adjust to student life after working for several years. However, with the support of his family and friends, he successfully adapted. Throughout his studies, he relied on the principle of prioritization – always putting academics first, with other activities following suit.
“I gained so many valuable lessons and joyful experiences. I met incredible faculty and friends from different backgrounds and experienced the daily culture at MEP,” he said.
When asked about his study strategy, Cahya said he had no special methods. He took his studies seriously, completed assignments diligently, and prepared for exams with full commitment. For him, the key to success is to enjoy the process, have confidence, and constantly pray for ease when faced with challenging material.
After graduation, Cahya returned to BPS to continue serving the institution and applying the knowledge he gained from MEP FEB UGM. He aims to make a tangible contribution to improving the quality of BPS’s output and performance. He also plans to continue writing and publishing his research in reputable academic journals. His final message to his fellow students is never to give up and to keep striving. “Nothing is impossible as long as we are willing to work for it,” he concluded.
Report by: Najwah Ariella Puteri
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals
