JAKARTA — More good news has come from the field of education and youth empowerment in Indonesia. Three outstanding alumni from the GREAT Edunesia Dompet Dhuafa scholarship program have successfully navigated the intense competition and made it into the ranks of the 50 finalists for MUDA30 Global Future X.
This prestigious event, initiated by Pijar Foundation through the Townhall Muda Indonesia movement, serves as a platform for young innovators and change-makers who are recognized for their tangible contributions to national progress, having made concrete impacts on society through innovation, education, and empowerment programs.
The three alumni are Joko Susilo, Fitra Riyanto, and Haris Hendrik. Their achievements and dedication in various fields demonstrate that investment in education and character development can produce future leaders who are not only intellectually intelligent but also highly socially conscious.
Joko Susilo: Empowering Rural Children’s Dreams from Gunungkidul
Driven by concerns about the state of education in his region, Joko Susilo, a recipient of the BAKTI NUSA Scholarship, founded the Gunungkidul Menginspirasi movement in 2012. This Yogyakarta-born man chose a quiet path to build an alternative education system relevant to students and youth in remote villages. Through his “nyantrik” approach, which emphasizes closeness and deep understanding, and the concept of “organic intellectualism” that prioritizes experience-based learning and the surrounding environment, Joko has reached over 10,000 young people in more than 100 schools and 90 villages in Gunungkidul.
His dedication has not only been recognized nationally with the award for National Youth Pioneer 2022 but has also led him to participate in international forums in Singapore and Russia. Joko’s story is a reflection of the spirit of never giving up and the belief that significant change can begin with small steps at the grassroots level.
Read also: Consistent in maintaining education quality, GREAT Edunesia wins bronze trophy at SNI Award 2024
Fitra Riyanto: Building Hope for University Graduates from a Village in Banten
The #1Village1Graduate1CEO initiative serves as the driving force behind Fitra Riyanto, another alumnus of BAKTI NUSA, in establishing the Alang Institute in Banten. Recognizing the immense untapped potential in his hometown village, Fitra is determined to advance education and empower rural youth to compete and become leaders of the future.
Through innovative programs such as the Young Activist Scholarship and Alang Academy, Fitra has successfully nurtured a new generation of rural youth who not only hold degrees but also possess adaptability and critical thinking skills. His initiatives prove that geographical limitations are not barriers to achieving dreams and making tangible contributions to regional development.
Haris Hendrik: Inclusive Technology for Communication Equality in Riau
Innovation and social responsibility come together in Haris Hendrik, an alumnus of the Etos ID Scholarship who developed Tulibot in Riau. Seeing the communication challenges faced by his deaf friends, Haris created smart glasses that can translate sign language into text and sound.
Haris’ innovation not only brings new hope for social inclusion in Indonesia but has also gained international recognition. Tulibot’s victory at the World Bank Youth Summit 2024 demonstrates that technology can serve as a bridge to achieve equality and provide equal access for all segments of society.
Read also: GREAT Edunesia: Building Civilization Through Education
More Than Just Scholarships: Investing in the Future of the Nation
“The success of Joko, Fitra, and Haris in making it to the top 50 finalists of MUDA30 Global Future X is a true representation of the philosophy behind the GREAT Edunesia Dompet Dhuafa program. More than just providing financial assistance, this program focuses on building strong character, developing global competitiveness, and instilling values of social contribution,” said Asep Hendriana, CEO of GREAT Edunesia, on Wednesday (April 16, 2025).
The inspiring stories of these three alumni prove that investing in education and character development will produce a generation of young people who are not only outstanding individually but also capable of becoming agents of change who make a positive impact on society. Their presence on the MUDA30 stage is a glimmer of hope and motivation for Indonesia’s youth to continue creating and proving their tangible contributions to the nation’s future.
This empowerment by GREAT Edunesia is also funded by Ziswaf (zakat, infak, sedekah, and wakaf) managed by Dompet Dhuafa through an educational program. We can all contribute to shaping a better future generation through the EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP: EVERY CHILD DESERVES AN EDUCATION. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dhika Prabowo
Editor: Dedi Fadlil