When Syifa Aulia Ar-Rohmah saw her name appear on the screen as one of the newly admitted students to the Undergraduate Economics Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), she did not immediately celebrate. Instead, she sat in silence for a few moments, unable to believe what she was seeing. Soon, tears welled up in her eyes. At that moment, she was reminded not only of the years of hard work that had brought her there, but also of the person she most wished she could share the joyful news with.
Her mother. The woman who had always stood by her side and encouraged her to dream big had passed away when Syifa was in the tenth grade of senior high school.
“I was overwhelmed with gratitude and happiness, and I couldn’t hold back my tears. That moment reminded me of everything I had gone through from studying hard, facing failures, to continuously finding the strength to rise again,” she recalled.
For Syifa, being admitted to FEB UGM was more than gaining admission to her dream university. It was a gift she wished she could dedicate to her late mother, who never had the chance to witness one of her daughter’s greatest milestones.
“I remembered all of my mother’s sacrifices and prayers that always accompanied my journey. Being accepted into FEB UGM fills me with gratitude and motivates me even more to study diligently so I can make my family proud and contribute positively to society in the future,” she said.
The joy of Syifa, the daughter of Sarmain and the late Lilik Mashudah, grew even greater when she learned that she had received a 100% Tuition Fee (UKT) subsidy, allowing her to complete her studies free of charge. Having been admitted through the Special Admission Track for Outstanding Students from Underprivileged Families (PBUTM), she felt immense relief knowing that the full tuition assistance would significantly ease her family’s financial burden.
Her father used to earn a living as a meatball vendor, but due to his age and declining health, he can no longer work. Today, the family’s primary source of income comes from Syifa’s older brother, who works as an honorary teacher.
“For me, this tuition subsidy is not merely financial assistance; it is also a vote of confidence in my potential to continue my education. That is why I feel responsible for making the most of this opportunity by studying hard, actively developing myself, and striving to achieve accomplishments that make everyone proud,” said the graduate of SMA Negeri 8 Ternate.
Growing Up in a Small City in Eastern Indonesia
Syifa was born and raised in Central Ternate, North Maluku, a region widely known as the Land of Spices. Her dream of pursuing higher education began as early as junior high school. At that time, she competed in the Provincial National Science Olympiad (OSN) in Social Sciences and finished sixth.
Although she did not qualify for the national round, the experience became a turning point, strengthening her belief that education was the path she wanted to pursue. She became convinced that higher education would broaden her horizons, sharpen her abilities, and open greater opportunities for personal growth.
“I want to use higher education as a means to develop my potential so that one day I can make meaningful contributions to society and to my hometown of Ternate,” she said.
Learning to Rise After Failure
Syifa’s journey to FEB UGM was not built overnight. Her aspiration to continue her education had been growing since junior high school. Participating in academic competitions became one of the stepping stones that shaped her determination to keep learning.
Numerous achievements have marked her academic journey. One of her proudest accomplishments was winning First Place in the 2024 National Science Olympiad (Economics) at the Provincial Level in North Maluku, earning her a spot as a national finalist in Jakarta.
However, the journey was far from easy. When she did not achieve the results she had hoped for in subsequent selections, Syifa chose not to give up. Instead, she sought new opportunities to learn by becoming actively involved in research and innovation.
She later founded an environmental community called Sobaé, where she developed an innovative aromatherapy batik dye made from kitchen waste and local spices. This project won a Bronze Medal at the 2025 Indonesian Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Festival (FIKSI) National Competition.
“To me, achievement is not merely about receiving awards. It is about the learning process, having the courage to try new things, and finding the strength to rise after failure,” she said.
Just as spices release their finest aroma only after undergoing a long drying process, Syifa believes that people also reveal their greatest potential only after overcoming hardships. Every challenge she faced became an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser.
“I believe spices only release their finest aroma after enduring a long drying process. Likewise, people often need to go through failure, hardship, and countless challenges before they can reveal their best potential. Difficult times are not meant to stop us, but to prepare us to become more valuable. This belief has helped me stay resilient, rise again, and continue pursuing my dreams,” she explained.
Education Above All Else
Since her mother’s passing, Syifa has found her greatest source of support in her father, Sarmain. Although he never completed elementary school and is no longer able to work due to his age and health, he has always done everything possible to ensure his children receive a good education.
“Although our family lives modestly, we have always done our best to support our children’s education in every way we can,” he said.
He witnessed firsthand how his daughter devoted countless hours to studying, competing, conducting research, and engaging in community service. He also saw her determination to persevere whenever she faced disappointment.
“Seeing my daughter accepted into UGM is an immense source of pride. I also remember her late mother, who always dreamed of seeing our children pursue the highest education possible. I’m sure if she were still here today, she would be incredibly proud of Syifa’s achievement,” he said.
For Sarmain, education is the most valuable legacy parents can leave for their children. That is why he always supported Syifa’s dream of pursuing higher education despite concerns about tuition costs and the distance from home. Witnessing his daughter’s unwavering determination strengthened his resolve to support and pray for her.
He reminded Syfa always to remain honest, never give up, stay grateful, and maintain her faith. He hopes she will complete her studies successfully and graduate on time.
“I hope that Syifa will not only become successful for herself but also bring benefits to society and to her hometown. Most importantly, I want her to remain humble,” he emphasized.
Bringing Her Dreams Back to Ternate
Syifa’s interest in economics stems from witnessing various challenges in her hometown, including environmental issues and regional development, as well as waste management. Initially, she believed environmental problems were simply about garbage and pollution. However, through her involvement in community and environmental activities, she came to realize that many of these issues are deeply rooted in economic conditions. This understanding inspired her to choose Economics at FEB UGM.
After graduating, Syifa does not dream of building a career far away from home. Instead, she wants to return to Ternate. She hopes to develop innovations that transform waste into economically valuable products, create business opportunities for local communities, and contribute to sustainable development in Eastern Indonesia.
“For me, the true measure of educational success is not how far I can go, but how I can return and make meaningful contributions to the place that raised me,” she said.
Syifa encourages everyone pursuing their dreams never to give up and to let no limitations, failures, or others’ opinions stop them from pursuing their dreams. She believes every difficult process, no matter how challenging, is preparation for becoming stronger.
“In the end, the journey is not about how many times we fall, but about having the courage to stand up and keep moving forward toward the dreams we truly believe in,” she concluded.
A new chapter of Syifa’s life will soon begin in Yogyakarta. Yet with every step she takes as a student at FEB UGM, she carries something greater than her personal ambitions: a father’s hopes, the memory of a beloved mother, and a determination to one day return and help build her homeland.
In the Land of Spices, a young woman has proven that loss need not stop a dream. Sometimes, it is precisely from loss that the determination to move forward grows even stronger.
Reported by: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals
