Riyanta (49 years old) could not hold back his tears. He was overwhelmed with emotion as he recounted how his only child, Ahmad Yuli Setiawan (commonly called Awan), was accepted into the Faculty of Animal Science UGM in Academic Year 2024/2025 through the SNBP pathway. He still couldn’t believe his son was accepted at UGM without a test and without any tuition fees, thanks to a 100% Single Tuition Fee (UKT) subsidy, exempting him from education costs until graduation.
“I still can’t fully believe it,” Riyanta said, struggling to speak.
The pride and emotion are understandable. Riyanta felt he had not significantly contributed to Awan’s education, including the idea of attending college. During high school, Awan also had to forgo tutoring both at school and outside because of financial constraints. “I couldn’t afford to pay for tutoring. I even still owe his high school one and a half million rupiahs,” he explained.
Riyanta and Wantinem are Awan’s parents. Riyanta works as a farm laborer and also tends cows and works night shifts at a special needs school near their home to supplement the family income. Wantinem is a housewife whose health has declined after falling three times.
“She has limited mobility because of her condition. It might be nerve damage in her legs. Sometimes she undergoes therapy,” Wantinem said, accompanied by Riyanta, at their home in Kauman, Wijirejo, Pandak, Bantul.
Faculty of Animal Science UGM as the First Choice
Since high school, Awan had always wanted to study at Faculty of Animal Science UGM. His family history inspired this dream. His grandparents used to have cows, and since childhood, Awan was used to herding and bathing cows in the river.
“Since high school, I have aimed for the Faculty of Animal Science UGM,” Awan said.
He aspires not only to be accepted at Faculty of Animal Science UGM but also to develop cattle farm in the future.
To achieve his dreams despite his family’s economic limitations, Awan remained diligent in his studies. He would wake up early after morning prayers to study and catch up with his friends who had tutoring. Awan was also not shy about asking teachers whenever he did not understand a subject.
High Achiever and Active in Organizations
Born in Bantul on July 22, 2005, Awan was active in the Youth Red Cross (PMR) and the Children’s Forum. During his studies at SMAN 3 Bantul, Ahmad Yuli Setiawan not only had excellent grades but also participated in various PMI competitions, visits, speeches, and quizzes.
He won several achievements, such as 2nd and 3rd place in MTQ speech competitions at the sub-district level, top 20 in visit competitions, and 2nd place in quizzes in Bantul Regency in 2022.
Now, having been accepted into Fapet UGM, Awan does not want to waste this opportunity. He aims to continue his studies beyond a bachelor’s degree to a master’s level.
“I want to thank my parents for all their prayers, which helped me overcome many obstacles and finally get into UGM,” Awan said.
Awan and other students from across the country have the opportunity to study in UGM. As a national university, it is possible to attend despite financial barriers.
“There are many scholarships offered at UGM. Besides the KIP Scholarship, we also collaborate with industries and alumni to ease the financial burden of tuition,” explained the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at Faculty of Animal Science UGM, Ir. R. Ahmad Romadhoni Surya Putra, S.Pt., M.Sc. Ph.D., IPM., ASEAN Eng.
Writer: Satria
Translator: Prisilia Putri