DEPOK, WEST JAVA —— On Saturday, April 11, 2026, the University of Indonesia (UI) Convention Hall bore silent witness to a complete cycle of kindness. Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Agustino Zulys, S.Si., M.Sc. stood tall, dressed in his academic regalia. That morning, he was officially inaugurated as UI’s 14th Full Professor in 2026, an expert in the fields of Coordination Chemistry, Homogeneous Catalysis, and Organometallic Synthesis.
Behind his string of titles and research on molecules lies a story of zakat, infaq, sadaqah, and waqf (Ziswaf) funds that carried the hopes of a young man three decades ago. Back in the 1994–1997 era, the young Agustino was merely a Chemistry student at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at UI, struggling with his dreams and financial constraints.
Amidst this, the philanthropic organization Dompet Dhuafa stepped in to offer a helping hand. Through the management of Ziswaf funds under one of its core programs—education for the sake of God—Agustino’s hope remained alive.
“He is a living legend demonstrating that community funds, when managed with precision, can create extraordinary structural change. He was also a beneficiary of the education program during the early days of Dompet Dhuafa’s establishment. Therefore, this deserves recognition from Dompet Dhuafa, and on behalf of Dompet Dhuafa, we extend our congratulations to Prof. Agustino,” said Ahmad Juwaini, Chairman of the Dompet Dhuafa Board of Trustees, who was present in person at the inauguration ceremony at UI that day.
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Agustino is the second professor to emerge from the Dompet Dhuafa scholarship program, following in the footsteps of Prof. Heri Hermansyah (Rector of the University of Indonesia), who is also an alumnus and beneficiary of the same program.
Prof. Agustino’s story is not merely about academic achievements. It is tangible evidence of the impact of Islamic philanthropy. The zakat previously donated by benefactors to help him pay for his undergraduate tuition at UI has now “metamorphosed” into knowledge that benefits the advancement of the chemical industry in Indonesia and the world.
In his inaugural lecture titled “The Usefulness of the Useless: MOF (Metal-Organic Framework) for Sustainable Green Energy,” Prof. Agustino explored the potential of homogeneous catalysts—elements that accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. Philosophically speaking, his own life journey is a “catalyst.” The scholarship from Ziswaf funds acted as a trigger that accelerated the transformation of a student into a full professor.
Its success also sends a strong message that the management of religious social funds does not stop at emergency food aid or basic necessities, but can serve as a long-term investment in the nation’s intellectual sovereignty. This potential is like a diamond in the ocean—abundant yet hidden in the depths. Our support is needed through the Bisa Kuliah Scholarship: Help High-Achieving Students from Low-Income Families Continue Their Education.
“Actually, I wasn’t interested in chemistry. Among the required subjects in high school, my chemistry grades were the lowest compared to math and physics. However, chemistry is the only science whose interaction with living organisms never ceases—at every moment, 24 hours a day, from the fetal stage all the way to becoming bones,” said Prof. Agustino.
That day, Prof. Agustino Zulys was not only inaugurated as the highest-ranking educator at UI, but he also became a living legend for every Dompet Dhuafa donor. The single rupiah they donated 30 years ago has today transformed into a Full Professor who will guide thousands of students and bring innovation to the nation.
“When Dompet Dhuafa scholarship recipients were gathered to share their aspirations after completing their bachelor’s degrees, I took the initiative to say that in 10 years’ time, I would earn my doctorate from Germany. Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah, I completed my doctoral studies in 2007 at FU Berlin under the guidance of Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Peter Roesky,” Prof. Agustino revealed. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dhika
Editor: Dedi Fadlil