Do you still remember Apia Dewi Agustin? Her name once captured the public’s attention with her inspiring story. This young woman from a remote village in Magetan Regency, East Java, successfully pursued her undergraduate degree and then continued her Master’s and Doctoral studies at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), free of charge, thanks to her academic achievements.
Now, Apia has once again made her alma mater proud. She officially graduated from the Master of Science in Accounting Program at FEB UGM as the best and fastest graduate in the 6th Graduation Period of the 2024/2025 Academic Year with an impressive Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.96 and a study period of only 1 year, 4 months, and 29 days. She registered for the Doctoral Program in Accounting as a first-semester student upon completing her Master’s degree.
Previously, Apia earned her bachelor’s degree with cum laude honors from the Accounting undergraduate program in 2022. She completed her studies with the support of the Bidikmisi scholarship and the scholarship from the Alumni Family of the Faculty of Economics and Business UGM (KAFEGAMA). After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Apia worked as a project management analyst at a multinational company. In 2023, she had the opportunity to continue her graduate studies at FEB UGM, once again free of charge, through the Master’s to Doctoral Education for Outstanding Undergraduates (PMDSU) scholarship scheme.
Apia’s journey in pursuing higher education was far from easy. Growing up in an area far from the city center with a modest family background did not dampen her spirit to achieve her dream of becoming an academic. Her father, who was a farmer and had never received formal education, passed away when Apia was in her fifth semester of undergraduate study. Meanwhile, her mother only completed elementary school and runs a small grocery store to support the family. Despite having limited access to education, Apia’s parents always dreamed that their daughter could pursue higher education. They firmly believed that education is the key to a brighter future.
Apia never wasted any opportunity given to her. She always gave her best in every aspect of her academic life. She admitted that pursuing an accelerated graduate and doctoral study with a target of a maximum of four years through the PMDSU scholarship was not an easy feat.
“The challenges are tough, especially regarding time management and emotional resilience to cope with the demanding academic tasks and research obligations, both from the coursework and the PMDSU scholarship requirements,” she explained.
However, she feels fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive environment, including her supervisor, promoter team, lecturers, program head, professional staff, and fellow students at FEB UGM. She is especially grateful for the guidance of her promoter, Prof. Mahfud Sholihin, Ph.D.
“To succeed in master’s and doctoral studies, building good communication and collaboration with your promoter is crucial. I am very grateful to Prof. Mahfud, who has supported and guided me patiently throughout my studies. He is my inspiration to become a dedicated academic and researcher,” she emphasized.
During her studies, Apia not only focused on her coursework but was also actively involved in various activities, including conducting research, participating in international conferences with her supervisor and fellow students at the Master’s and Doctoral Program FEB UGM, and winning several awards, such as best paper and best presenter. She also served as an assistant at the Center for Accountability and Governance Studies (PAKAR) of the Accounting Department Laboratory and undergraduate classes.
Apia completed her Master’s program by writing a thesis on the factors that drive climate-related disclosure among companies in the Asia-Pacific region. Her research found that financial performance, climate-related environmental performance, and long-term oriented cultures encourage climate-related disclosure in the area. In addition to submitting this thesis to a scientific journal, we developed other outputs. One is a book about climate change reporting that is currently being published.
Furthermore, her follow-up research direction has successfully secured funding from the FEB UGM Competitive Research Grant, collaborating with her supervisor and thesis examiners.
Her success is undoubtedly the result of Apia’s diligence, consistency, hard work, and the prayers and support of her family, teachers, lecturers, and friends. Apia said that the FEB UGM values such as “integrity”, “objectivity”, and “equality” have greatly supported her throughout her studies and daily life.
“Being at FEB UGM has taught me that integrity is not just about honesty, commitment, courage to stand for the truth, and consistency. I have also witnessed firsthand how objectivity and equality thrive here. Everyone receives equal treatment, regardless of origin, status, or background. These values have truly embraced me at FEB, from undergraduate studies until now. Here, I have learned and grown with values, not just academic grades,” she explained.
Apia’s journey to complete her postgraduate education is still ongoing. There will undoubtedly be more challenges ahead, but she believes many opportunities and doors will open as long as she keeps trying. This semester, Apia will begin her third semester in the Doctoral Program.
“Never be afraid to dream big. Limitations should never limit you. Keep praying and working sincerely; the path and blessings will always find their way to you. Keep doing good,” she concluded.
Reportage: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals
