This victory proves that ITB students are not always rigid or confined to a single field of study. Akmal is now officially the representative of the West Java Language Center (Balai Bahasa) to compete at the national level this coming September in Jakarta.

For Akmal, pursuing achievements outside his major does not mean he is in the "wrong major." Instead, he demonstrates a strong multidisciplinary side. His Final Project, titled “Sukabumi Public Library Redefinition: Design of Inclusive Public Literacy Spaces with a Sundanese Cultural Approach,” serves as concrete proof of the collaboration between technical design expertise and his love for literacy. Interestingly, the research data he used for the Language Ambassador selection shared direct commonalities with the references he used for his interior design final project. Through this work, Akmal integrates elements of regional language and culture, consistent with the Trigatra Bangun Bahasa principle to preserve local languages into physical space design.

“I believe that studying anywhere and in any major does not limit our space to move and develop in the future,” said Akmal, 1st Best Language Ambassador of West Java 2026, when met during his activities in Bandung, Friday (19/6). This spirit is reflected in his plan to continue a career in interior design while remaining consistent in championing issues of literacy, literature, language, and libraries.

Akmal’s love for the world of literacy is deeply rooted. Since childhood, he has enjoyed writing short stories and storytelling. This passion continued into his college years; in 2023, Akmal became one of the selected authors in a national competition, which led to his poetry being published in an anthology titled Sajak Nabastala.

Far from being just a theorist, he is known for being grounded through real action. Akmal is actively involved in the "Tutur Kami" social project for the literacy of marginalized children in Dago Elos and Jatinangor. He is also developing an advocacy program called "Rekaasa" (Space for Expression of Will and Hope through Language and Literature), which targets children in the Special Development Institution for Children (LPKA).

Despite competing against contestants from diverse backgrounds, including professional MCs and West Java Mojang Jajaka alumni, Akmal remained confident with his simple life motto: "Use what we have as best we can". "That became my motivation to stay confident even though there are many people who are more brilliant out there," he expressed casually.

Through this title, Akmal wants to convey the message that using proper Indonesian does not always have to feel formal or "too academic". He encourages the younger generation to be proud of using both the national and regional languages in daily life in a fun way. With this spirit, Akmal is ready to represent West Java on the national stage and prove that a design student can indeed become a literacy champion.