Jalu Studies at ULM Through KIP: Government’s Commitment to Equitable Education
Banjarmasin (October 4, 2025) – The Director General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology (Dikti), Prof. Dr. Khairul Munadi, ST., M.Eng., together with the Director of Belmawa Dikti, Dr. Beny Bandanadjaja, ST., MT., and ULM Rector, Prof. Dr. H. Ahmad Alim Bachri, SE, M.Sc., paid a personal visit to the home of Jalu Eko Prasetyo, a 2025 Development Economics Study Program student receiving a KIP Scholarship. The visit took place in Belitung Darat, Banjarmasin, where Jalu has lived with his parents since elementary school. He is the only child of a father from Ponorogo and a mother from Banjar.
On that occasion, the Director General of Higher Education stated that the Indonesia Smart Card for College (KIPK) program demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing as many opportunities as possible for high-achieving Indonesian children who face economic constraints.
“This program is intended to expand access to equitable higher education. Limitations are not a reason to stop learning, because with enthusiasm and parental support, there is always a path to success,” said Prof. Khairul Munadi.
According to H. Djumino, the local neighborhood association (RT) head, Jalu is known as a good young man. Before attending college, Jalu received an educational scholarship from the Sentosa Belitung Darat Orphanage from elementary school through high school. Jalu is also known as a young man with good manners and good social skills.
“He’s a good kid and doesn’t mess around,” said H. Djumino.
On this occasion, the Director General of Higher Education also provided Jalu with basic necessities and a laptop as direct support to help him succeed in his studies. He hopes Jalu’s story will inspire students and the wider community to continue pursuing their education.
“Hopefully, Jalu’s story can inspire other friends, relatives, and neighbors to never give up their dreams and continue pursuing higher education,” he added.
Rector Prof. Ahmad Alim Bachri explained that the university has a significant responsibility to ensure that KIPK scholarship recipients are truly on target.
“We conduct a rigorous selection process in accordance with the ministry’s criteria. This year, there are around 1,600 interested students, while the quota is only 900, so we ensure that those selected are truly deserving in terms of achievement and financial well-being,” the Rector explained.
He emphasized that KIPK recipients will also receive mentoring and soft skills development during their studies, enabling them to develop not only academically but also socially and personally.
“We support KIPK students so they are ready to return to society as a superior and independent generation. We hope they can be an inspiration to those around them,” he added.
Jalu himself expressed his gratitude for being able to continue his education at ULM through the SNBP (National Selection Based on Achievement) pathway. He chose the Development Economics Study Program with the hope of pursuing a career at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) after graduation.
“I really wanted to study economics so I could contribute to the development of tourism and the creative economy. Thank you to ULM and the government for this opportunity,” Jalu said, filled with emotion.
