On Tuesday (March 3, 2026), the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Gadjah Mada University (UGM) held an Open Senate Meeting to commemorate its 80th Anniversary. Amidst the solemn celebration, the "Outstanding Student of the 2026 Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program" award was presented to selected individuals, one of whom was Ghibran Arsha Daffa’ Musaffa’ from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program.

Ghibran's selection as an Outstanding Student was not without reason. Ghibran is known as a student who is actively involved in Javanese culture. Some of his achievements include third place in the Nusantara Cultural Gathering Storytelling Competition, second place in the Youth Ceremony Competition for the Bantul Regency Language and Literature Competition in 2025, and being selected as a finalist for the 2025 Dimas Diajeng Yogyakarta City Competition.

Besides competitions, Ghibran is also active in various other activities. He was involved as an actor in the play "Adisari Cahaya Kasih di Balik Penaklukkan," served as Master of Ceremonies (MC) at the Closing Ceremony of Wonderful Indonesia Wellness, and even served as a storyteller in the Dimas Diajeng Yogyakarta Field Program in Sleman Tourism Village.

However, behind these successes, Ghibran revealed that his journey has been a long process. In an online interview on Friday (April 24, 2026), he shared that his drive to achieve has been growing since elementary school.

"My motivation started with something simple and perhaps funny. Since elementary school, I wanted to earn extra pocket money because our family was financially poor at the time," Ghibran said. He recalls a time when his pocket money was only Rp 2,000 in fourth grade. At that time, his mother challenged him to keep his allowance. From there, she encouraged him to pursue competitions with prizes.

His first victory in the Bantul Regency-wide Ngudar Kawruh Tembang competition was a turning point. From then on, Ghibran realized that achievement wasn't just about money, but also a path to success. His achievements earned him admission to junior high school through the achievement pathway and even opportunities to appear on national media outlets like TVRI.

Entering his studies at UGM, Ghibran set out to make a real contribution to his alma mater. "I may not have been the most outstanding student academically, but I always tried to give the university a 'souvenir' in the form of a trophy," he said. Ultimately, he earned the opportunity to recite poetry before the Indonesian Minister of Education in 2024.

For him, the title of Outstanding Student is not just an award. He feels gratitude, but also a sense of responsibility. This motivates him to continue working hard. "My plans for the future: I want to graduate on time, but still actively participate in competitions. I want to continue being a useful person," he explained.

He also shared the key to his consistency. Since childhood, he has been writing down his goals on a piece of paper and sticking it on his bedroom wall. "Never be ashamed to dream big. For me, dreaming is the first step to achievement. Through hard work and prayer, each dream becomes a reality," he concluded. He also emphasized the importance of gratitude in every step of the process, both during victories and facing failures.

Author            : Haryo Untoro
Editor             : Haryo Untoro