His family’s financial limitations did not deter Deni from achieving remarkable milestones. Coming from a family of farm workers, he was named the 1st Place Outstanding Student (Mapres) of the Undergraduate Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in 2026. He achieved this success through his persistence in securing various prestigious awards and his dedication to designing inclusive literature concepts for persons with disabilities.
Deni stated that his main motivation stemmed from his family’s condition. Both of his parents only graduated from elementary school. He wanted to prove that financial constraints are not an obstacle to dreaming big. His participation in this prestigious competition was an effort to realize his parents’ dreams while expanding the impact of the social initiatives he is currently developing.
“I dedicate this achievement to my mother and my late father, who, despite having only an elementary school education, managed to send their son to study at UGM with a scholarship,” expressed Deni.
The journey to becoming UGM’s 1st Place Outstanding Student required time and careful preparation. Deni began his preparations during his first semester in the Indonesian Language and Literature Study Program with immense gratitude. For five consecutive semesters, this recipient of the Beasiswa Indonesia Maju (BIM) scholarship actively participated in various competitions. He successfully accumulated ten exceptional achievements, comprising six certified international awards and four certified national awards.
The biggest challenge he faced during the Outstanding Student Selection (Pilmapres) was maintaining consistency. Participants in this competition are required to excel academically while building confidence and demonstrating their overall personal qualities. Deni enjoyed the entire process because the existing obstacles actually shaped his mentality to become stronger. He then registered at the exact right time when he felt completely ready.
Deni believes that students have a strategic role as agents of change for society. During his studies, he has been actively involved in empowerment activities. In his field of literature, Deni highlighted the persisting accessibility gap for individuals with hearing impairments in enjoying literary works.
Driven by this concern, he developed a creative idea regarding the development of inclusive literature through poetry learning. He wants literature to become a space for expression as well as a welcoming environment for everyone without exception.
In managing his schedule, Deni applied the SMART method from the beginning of his studies to ensure every target was specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This method helped him map out his priorities among his studies, competitions, and other activities on a weekly basis. He applied self-directed learning principles to stay focused on his ultimate goals.
“Identify your priorities and goals, create realistic plans, and enjoy the process. It is better to fail than to never try at all,” Deni advised other students. According to him, readiness can be built every day to welcome various future opportunities.
For Deni, the title of UGM’s 1st Place Outstanding Student in 2026 is a mandate to continue growing and to provide broad meaning to society. He plans to realize his inclusive literature concept through collaboration with various relevant parties so that literacy for deaf individuals can become a tangible reality. He firmly holds to the principle that success requires a consistent process.
“You do not have to be fast to be great; what matters is moving forward with determination,” he asserted.
Deni’s story carries a strong message about the importance of creating equal educational and literacy spaces for all levels of society. The effort to provide fair access for disability groups is a crucial stepping stone in building a just civilization, where every individual has an equal opportunity to develop and contribute to the future.
[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]
