WEST JAVA – Dompet Dhuafa has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing education and empowering the younger generation through its flagship program, the Youth Excellence Scholarship (YES). This prestigious scholarship program returns in 2025 with support from PT Matahari Department Store Tbk (Matahari) and has successfully reached 75 students from various regions across Indonesia, including Medan, Pekanbaru, Padang, Palembang, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Bogor.
The 2025 YES program marks the fourth cohort, made possible through collaboration between Dompet Dhuafa and Matahari via the 2025 Matahari Customer Donation Program at all Matahari stores across Indonesia. YES is an educational scholarship program for 11th-grade students from orphaned, underprivileged, and newly converted Muslim families.
Beyond financial assistance, YES consistently provides character development, leadership training, and intensive mentoring aimed at cultivating outstanding generations who are intelligent, morally upright, and possess leadership qualities. They are selected from various schools that pass the selection process. Through this initiative, it is hoped that the beneficiaries will achieve their aspirations and a bright future. The program is implemented through personality development of the beneficiaries by program mentors in the target areas.
“Those selected are students who face limitations but have a strong motivation to continue their education to the university level. This program is specifically designed to support them in preparing to compete and be accepted into their dream universities,” said Yulianti, Chairperson of the YES Program at Dompet Dhuafa.
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One of the YES development programs is the Excellence Leadership Camp (ELC), held on July 26–27, 2025, at Bukit Saila Camp Ground, Sentul, Bogor. Attended by 11 participants from the Bogor and Depok regions, this event serves as a crucial opportunity to cultivate leadership qualities from an early age.
The Ekselensia Leadership Camp agenda spans two full days filled with educational and reflective activities. The first day begins with an opening ceremony and a keynote speech by Patrick Kapugu (Investor Relations Manager at PT Matahari Department Store Tbk) titled “Independent and Quality-Driven: Leaders Who Make an Impact.” During this session, Patrick shares his experiences and key values regarding leadership and independence.
The camp was designed to provide an outdoor learning experience, where participants were trained to recognize their potential, manage challenges, and cultivate a collaborative spirit. Beyond academic focus, they were also equipped with soft skills, leadership training, and strong character values.
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“For the next year, these students will not only receive educational grants, but will also participate in regular training every weekend at SMART Ekselensia Indonesia. The material provided is very comprehensive, ranging from academics to character building and leadership,” added Yuli.
Interestingly, Matahari, represented by Patrick Kapugu, was also present at the Leadership Camp to greet the students. Matahari’s presence was not merely symbolic, but also an important moment that provided deep encouragement and inspiration.
Patrick Kapugu, Investor Relations Manager of PT Matahari Department Store, Tbk, was present to provide guidance on self-management and leadership. In his class session, Patrick shared his personal experience of struggling to get into the University of Indonesia and how he chose a major that suited his interests and potential.
“Leadership begins with the ability to survive in various conditions. We must be independent, understand who we are, and not rely on others. Ourselves are the greatest asset in life. Assess our potential and risks, and choose the path that aligns with who we are,” said Patrick.
Patrick also emphasized that college is not just about academics, but also about expanding your network, forming a support system, and instilling a strong mindset.
“In college, we don’t just learn theory, but we also build relationships with friends who will later become colleagues, business partners, and even business networks. There, we learn to think critically, develop independence, and broaden our horizons. So, don’t just focus on grades, but build a positive mindset and community for your future,” he added.
He also advised students not to choose a major just because it is trendy or because of other people’s wishes. Choices should come from an understanding of oneself and one’s potential.
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Not only involved in field activities, Matahari, as a partner of the YES program, also expressed its high hopes for the scholarship recipients. This national retail company, which has been around since 1958, sees investment in education as part of its ongoing social contribution. Matahari has been working with Dompet Dhuafa for 15 years in its contribution to national education.
“We hope that through this support, the students will not only become intelligent graduates but also possess leadership spirit, social empathy, and a strong fighting spirit. Indonesia needs young people like them to address the challenges of the future,” said Patrick.
At the end of the session, as a token of appreciation for the students in attendance, Matahari presented gifts to the active participants and those who could answer the quiz questions posed during the event.
After the session with Patrick, participants took part in a series of other activities. These included the development of Life Plans and Career Plans using the Individual Development Plan method (led by Charles Dasiva), Motivation and Quran Memorization Techniques with Ustaz Hayyin Yahya, Motivation for Academic Achievement, and Organizational Skills by Keisya Haura Naswa, Quran Recitation Practice, Ice Breaking, and a Mentoring Session featuring Deep Talks and Gift Exchange in the evening.
The second day began with a group tahajud prayer, followed by recitation, morning dzikir, and a short lecture. In the morning, participants were invited to exercise and attend a Mind Mapping session led by Adams Pratama. The day concluded with Games/Outbound activities, followed by prayer, lunch, and departure together.
Matahari believes that empowering young people from underprivileged backgrounds is a strategic step toward building the nation’s future. This collaboration aligns with the company’s values of sustainability and social responsibility, aiming to continue making a tangible impact on society.
One of the participants in the Leadership Camp, Kamila Uswatun Hasanah, a student at SMA Negeri 1 Bojonggede, shared her experience participating in the YES program. She admitted that she was initially hesitant but eventually mustered the courage to ask her mother for permission to join the program. She aspires to enroll at the University of Indonesia, majoring in Communication Studies.
“I am the first child, the first grandchild, and the first great-grandchild in my mother’s family. When I found out that the YES program had a university placement program, I was immediately interested because no one in my mother’s family has ever gone to college,” said Kamila.
For her, participating in the YES activities is a significant step toward achieving her goals. She also feels very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet representatives from Matahari Store.
The selection process for the YES Program 2025 has been underway since March 2025. This one-year program is expected to be a step toward social change, starting with investment in people. When children from underprivileged backgrounds are given opportunities, support, and proper guidance, they will grow into future leaders capable of uplifting themselves and their communities.
With the support of partners like Matahari, Dompet Dhuafa continues to strengthen its efforts to provide inclusive, empowering, and transformative education. Through the YES program, one generation at a time, the nation’s best and brightest are being prepared not only for academic success but also for resilience in facing the real challenges of life. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and Photos: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika