For Erico Anugrah Tri Putra, the decision to pursue higher education was shaped by ambition, family considerations, and financial uncertainty. The Inspirasi Scholarship helped turn that uncertainty into an opportunity to learn, lead, compete, and plan for a more independent future.

Erico—known to friends as Rico—received the scholarship from Yayasan Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun (YIIM), PT Insight Investments Management, and Dana Pensiun Perkebunan in 2020.

At the time his story was published in 2023, the 20-year-old student was completing a Diploma III program in Chemical Technology at Politeknik LPP Yogyakarta. He had achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.52 while actively participating in organizations, internships, competitions, and community activities.

Born in Banyuwangi as the third of four siblings, Erico grew up in a hardworking family. His father maintained a sugarcane plantation at Politeknik LPP Yogyakarta, while his mother supported the household by selling clothing and prepared meals.

Before enrolling in university, Erico was uncertain about which path to follow. He had considered continuing his education at an Islamic boarding school, but after discussing his future with his family, he decided to pursue a college degree.

Financing his studies remained a significant concern. His family had limited financial resources, and his younger sister was preparing to enter senior high school. Erico therefore began searching for scholarship opportunities that could reduce the pressure on his household.

After completing a selection process that included assessments and a focus-group discussion, Erico was awarded the Inspirasi Scholarship. The support allowed him to continue his studies and participate more fully in the academic and developmental opportunities available on campus.

His transition into chemical technology was not without doubt. His previous field of study differed from his university major, and he initially questioned whether he would be able to adapt. With encouragement from his family and a willingness to follow the learning process, his confidence gradually increased.

Erico’s university experience soon extended well beyond the classroom. From his second semester, he became active in the Diploma III Chemical Engineering Student Association. He served as vice-chairperson during the 2020–2021 period and later took on a supervisory role.

He also participated in the university’s futsal club and Islamic student activities. Beyond the campus, he worked with fellow students to revive an association for Banyuwangi students at Politeknik LPP Yogyakarta.

These organizational experiences gave Erico opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, communication, and responsibility. He also helped organize annual social initiatives, including activities at an orphanage and food-sharing programs around the campus.

Erico applied the same determination to academic competitions. Together with his team, he earned third place in the 2022 national debate competition organized by the Indonesian Polytechnic Students’ Communication Forum.

In the same year, his team won first place in a national debate competition held as part of the Accounting Festival organized by an accounting student association. The two achievements demonstrated his ability to think critically, develop arguments, communicate ideas, and collaborate under pressure.

His development also included practical industry exposure. Erico completed a 16-week internship at PG Asembagus in Situbondo, East Java. He later joined a six-month recruitment internship at PT Jawamanis Rafinasi in Cilegon, Banten.

For Erico, these placements were valuable steps towards understanding the professional world and connecting classroom knowledge with industrial practice. Securing an internship opportunity with strong competition was an achievement that further strengthened his confidence.

As graduation approached, Erico began planning his next steps. In the short term, he hoped to gain professional experience through employment. In the longer term, he aspired to build a business based on his abilities and help develop his sibling’s livestock enterprise.

Erico’s story shows that a scholarship can create value far beyond tuition support. By reducing financial barriers, it enabled him to participate in higher education, pursue leadership roles, gain workplace experience, serve his community, and demonstrate his potential through national competitions.

He also hopes that more scholarship places can be made available to young people who doubt whether higher education is financially possible. For students facing similar circumstances, access to support can restore not only educational opportunity but also confidence in what their future can become.

From an uncertain beginning to academic progress, leadership, industry experience, and two national debate awards, Erico transformed the opportunity he received into a foundation for continued growth.

Salam Inspirasi!