Yeremias himself is an ITB affirmation student class of 2022 who comes from Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). For information, Affirmation of Higher Education (ADIK) is a program from the central government to provide learning opportunities for students from various regions in Indonesia. So that they can more easily get access to higher education.

Although he comes from NTT, Yeremias has lived in West Java for several years. Before studying at ITB, he had completed his high school education in Sukabumi, West Java.

Being an affirmation student did not dampen Yeremias' determination to make achievements. In addition to academic achievement, he also continues to explore his interests and talents. One of his interests is computer networking. Therefore, Yeremias ventured to participate in the competition.

"The preparation itself started in June last year. The competition is about computer networks, which I have not studied in my major," he said on Friday (5/12/2024).

Considering that the computer network field is something that has not been taught in his major, Yeremias learned by himself. For about three months, he did independent learning and explored many things related to computer networks.

"I learned a lot from the internet, for example YouTube, there are also websites specifically for computer networks. I also actively asked my lecturers and seniors. During holidays, I also set my own learning targets," he said.

Yeremias' confidence to participate in the competition grew stronger after he received support from his friends and parents. Both of Jeremiah's parents now work as Indonesian workers in Malaysia.

With his achievement, he hopes to make a useful contribution in the future, not only for ITB, but also for his home region in Flores Island, NTT. Yeremias dreams of making a difference in his birthplace and advancing various fields there, including technology and the internet.

"I hope to contribute to the advancement of the internet network in NTT, which is still far from being in good condition. I also hope to open up job opportunities there," he said.

ITB Supports Affirmation Students

Meanwhile, Ninik Suhartini, S.T., MURP, Ph.D., from the Urban and Regional Infrastructure Systems Research Group of ITB, as well as the lecturer guardian of ITB affirmation students, also felt proud of Yeremias' achievements.

According to her, besides his academic achievements, Yeremias is also known for his adaptability and socialization in his environment. So it is not surprising that Yeremias is trusted to be a tutor for other affirmation students.

"Both academically and socially, Yeremias has provided a lot of support to other affirmation friends," he said.

According to Law No. 12/2012 on Higher Education, the Indonesian Government is obligated to enhance access to higher education and prepare intelligent and competitive human resources.

This Higher Education Affirmation Scholarship (ADIK) is an assistance from the government to provide learning opportunities to students, because of their conditions and differences. So that those concerned experience difficulties and affordability of access to higher education.

There are several affirmation programs provided, such as for individuals from disadvantaged areas, outstanding individuals from underprivileged families, individuals with disabilities, individuals who excel in the fields of sports, arts / culture, religion, and excel in the Science Olympiad at the national or international level.

Even so, he said that there are various challenges faced by affirmation students. Such as how they adapt to life on campus which is certainly much different from the environment where they come from.

"Maybe they have difficulty adapting. But the important thing is that we try to encourage them. Because here the conditions are different from where they live. Therefore, we try to help bridge with students, lecturers, and the environment," he said.

For information, affirmation students at ITB come from various regions in Indonesia, such as Nias, Flores, Atambua, Papua, and so on.

He advised the affirmation students to remain enthusiastic in undergoing their lectures at ITB. He also hopes that these students can bring significant changes to their home regions in the future.

"Hopefully, the affirmation students will still have high spirits. Being an affirmation student is an honor. Maybe in the future you will be the successor of the nation who makes changes and contributes to making advancement in your home region," he said.

Reporter: Anggun Nindita
Translator: Anggi Nurdiani (Manajemen, 2021)
Editor: Hanifa Juliana (Urban and Regional Planning, 2020)