BIUS ITB, an Assurance for Low Economic Students to Get Higher Education

By Neli Syahida

Editor Neli Syahida

Bandung, itb.ac.id - Concerned to limitation of education access in University for students who are not afford to pay, ITB found BIUS (Beasiswa ITB untuk semua) in 2009. So, BIUS invite them to study in ITB with free charge. Early founded, the campaign was performed intensively through internet and social media. This campaign was aimed to distribute this information evenly in all of parts in Indonesia.

The result is BIUS accept 3170 application. After selection was performed, 400 students passed. Then, they were called to attend the entrance exam to ITB in Bandung. All of the accomodation and transportation charge was paid by BIUS commitee. Even after the exam was done, they were brought to enjoy the beauty of Bandung. From the exam, 40 people passed and became ITB students officially.

BIUS paid all of the charge; university charge, life expense, and the other requirements. It is assumed that the cost needed by a student for study in ITB for 4 years is about 110 million rupiahs. Except aided in finance, this students also got a special training, like soft skill, leadership, and English training. They are also invited to meet Vice President, governer, entrepreneur, and alumni of ITB.

Because of that, BIUS students not only have a good GPA, but also are active in many kinds of organization. In July 2013, 13 from 40 BIUS Students graduated from ITB with good achievement, GPA above 3. In this month, 21-24 others will follow them.

Until this year, BIUS still contribute to give scholarship. In 2010, BIUS accepted 61 students. In following years, BIUS integrated with Government's scholarship program, called Bidik Misi. In 2013, ITB accepted 800 student for Bidik Misi or about 22% from all of students who are accepted in that year. This is according to law, UU No.12 tahun 2012 which obliges Public Universities to search candidate of students who have a good academic potency but low economic status to be accepted at least 20%.

BIUS can survive to help students with donation from many people. The main donation come from Medco Group, Yani Panigoro, PT Persada Capival Investama, PT Daya Adicipta Mustika, PT KAI, Benny Subianto, Pertamina, Adaro, Teddy Rahmat, Bank Mandiri, Chefron, Adira Finance, Newmont, Haminanto, Muhammad Basyah, Iman Taufik, Santi Pusposucipto, Betti Alisjahbana, Santi Retnoningsih, Chandra Jinata, and etc. Except that, some of alumni ITB group also contribute to BIUS. They are IA-ITB Perth, SC Barat, IA-ITB Qatar, IA ITB Kalimantan Timur, LFM ITB, Teknik Lingkungan angkatan 1995, Paguyuban angkatan 1989, dana kolektif kuya 2000, Planologi Angkatan 1996.

Betti Alisjahbana, one of people who hold the key to the success of this program, gave a message to students in Indonesia. "Don't worry to enroll in ITB. There are many chances to get a scholarship in ITB. Except that, the charge which has to paid also adjusted to financial condition of family. Where there is a will, there is away," Betti said.