How does a small-town boy from Central Java end up as chair of the University Student Council (USC)? And why? My father was a successful self-made businessman who taught me a lot, but having me go to university was not high on his list. As the first in my family to study, I had to overcome quite some obstacles. In fact, after several years studying in the USA, I had to quit the program to take care of the family business and later started my own. In the Covid-years, when I was already living in the Netherlands and business was extremely slow, I had the chance to again follow my dream. I completed my BSc in biomedical sciences last year. Now, I am a second year MSc student in oncology, combining it as much as possible with my company in furniture design and production.
Throughout the years being a student, I have come to appreciate VU Amsterdam as a place that has challenged me intellectually. The warm and welcoming community with so much diversity is something I cherish. I am still learning Dutch – ‘ik doe mijn best’ – but it is very nice to feel accepted, nonetheless.
Some of my story along with my accomplishments may have come from luck and the support of people around me, but most of it emanates from my personal drive and dedication. One thing I learned from my father is this: when you can, contribute to your community. I have received a lot from my partner, family, friends, as well as from the academic environment. So, when I can, I also want to give back. If we don’t try to make this world a little bit better, then why are we here? That is why I became a member and president for the ‘Facultaire Studentenraad Bèta’ in my second-year bachelor – the very same reason why I am in the USC now. Specifically, in the inevitable budget cuts, I want to ensure the quality of education and the well-being of students are not undermined.
I have seen that the student voice is important and can be taken seriously. Together with my fellow councilors, we’d gather input from students and be actively involved in the discussions of the university policies. We’d go the distance to preserve students’ interests. No matter who you are or how you got here, if you share your experiences and ideas, we can make the university even better.