UNAIR NEWS Financial hardship does not have to stand in the way of success, even at the international level. Ida Ayu Prasasti Dewi is among those who have proven that determination can overcome economic limitations. A 2015 graduate of the Department of Communication Studies at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (), Dewi has built a career in digital literacy within the non-governmental organization (NGO) sector and consistently advocates for digital rights on the global stage.
Struggles during college
Dewi described her journey through college as both demanding and exhausting. Despite the challenges, her persistence enabled her to graduate in just three and a half years with a 3.7 GPA. The achievement was especially meaningful because she maintained financial independence throughout her studies. During college, she carefully balanced academic responsibilities with part-time work to cover tuition and living expenses.
Her early work experience began with a part-time position at a small business before she launched her own venture selling risoles around campus. While managing the business, Dewi routinely started her day before dawn to prepare her products before distributing them at 6 a.m. Toward the end of her studies, she entered the creative industry as a radio broadcaster in Surabaya. 淎t that time, the biggest challenges were financial and psychological pressures. But those limitations pushed me to work harder than others around me. I believe that sincerity and perseverance will eventually lead to success, Dewi recalled about her years as a student in Surabaya.
Life after graduation
After graduating from UNAIR, Dewi檚 career progressed rapidly when she joined the Jakarta-based NGO ICT Watch. Her dedication eventually earned her the opportunity to represent Indonesia as a delegate at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency under the United Nations, in Geneva. She is currently preparing to complete her doctoral studies, focusing on technology-based governance systems. Dewi encouraged UNAIR students to remain courageous in taking new opportunities and challenges throughout their journeys. She also urged them to continue bringing value and positivity to others, guided by her personal philosophy, 淯rip iku Urup, a Javanese saying that means life should serve as a source of light and benefit for others.
淟uck is really the combination of careful preparation and opportunity. That is why we must stay humble, continue learning, and never stop looking for solutions to every challenge we face. I hope this story can inspire the entire UNAIR academic community by showing that past limitations should never prevent anyone from achieving success on the international stage, Dewi concluded.
Author: Yongki Eka Cahya
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
