Teuku Muhammad Bahari, affectionately known as Ari, is one of the scholarship recipients currently pursuing higher education at Ar-Raniry State Islamic University (UINAR) in Banda Aceh. He is now in his fourth semester studying Architecture at the Faculty of Science and Technology. Since childhood, Ari has had a keen interest in architecture and feels challenged to learn more about it.

Ari believes that education is highly important because successful individuals begin with a desire to learn. Furthermore, building broad relationships can also be achieved through attending university. This motivates Ari to be active in non-academic activities on campus. In the field of sports, he represents his study program in Badminton. In religious affairs, Ari participates in the Qur’an Center during Ramadan at the campus mosque. He is also active in campus organizational activities, serving as a committee member for OSPEK (campus orientation) and the Grand Meeting of the Architecture Study Program. Lastly, he extends benefits to others by volunteering as a natural disaster relief volunteer in April 2021.

In his hometown of Gampong Ule Glee, many children drop out of school due to unsupportive economic conditions. Ari also felt constrained in pursuing higher education due to financial limitations. In his view, tuition fees are relatively high for the people there. Nevertheless, he remained determined to attend university because he saw many figures who spread benefits, such as ustadz, lecturers, and school principals in his area. Most of these individuals have higher education backgrounds, at least a bachelor’s degree. Seeing Ari’s potential and strong determination, the ustadz at the orphanage where Ari grew up recommended him to apply for an educational scholarship from PT. Insight Investments Management (INSIGHT) in collaboration with the Indonesian Inspiration Building Foundation (YIIM). Previously, YIIM and INSIGHT had assisted the education of children from the Bustanul Aitam Foundation’s orphanage up to the master’s degree level.

With the educational scholarship assistance from YIIM and INSIGHT, Ari feels greatly helped. What was previously a barrier—the cost of tuition—has now been overcome. However, he still tries to earn extra money through side jobs, such as selling clothes, working at a poultry processing facility, and producing furniture. Ari hopes that in the future he can continue to spread benefits to others. This starts with helping orphanage children and reaching out to children who struggle to access education in his hometown, Gampong Ule Gle, Pidie Jaya.

“Thank you very much to YIIM and INSIGHT for helping Ari and friends from the Bustanul Aitam Foundation. We now have the funding to pursue education up to the higher education level.”

Education is a fundamental right for everyone and plays a role in enhancing Indonesia’s competitiveness. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which is to “Ensure Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education and Promote Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All.” In order to realize this goal, the Indonesian Inspiration Building Foundation (YIIM) together with PT Insight Investments Management (INSIGHT) provides educational scholarships for university students.

Salam Inspirasi!