Yogyakarta, 30 August 2020—Korps Mahasiswa Politik Pemerintahan/KOMAP Fisipol UGM has successfully organized an alumni sharing session as its fifth event in Bincang KOMAP series themed “From Sansiro to Istana”. Aris Setiawan Yodi, S. IP, a Politics and Government Studies student batch 2012 who is currently working as an assistant coordinator for the Presidential Special Staff, was present as the speaker. The session was aired via Instagram live, led by Prayuda as the moderator.
“Prior to working for the Presidential Staff Office, I started out my career in the Department of Politics and Government Studies for a year. Later on, I moved to Jakarta and worked as a journalist for Kompas. I was lucky to have the chance to work in the Office,” Aris told the audience after introducing himself. Aris added that he had dreamed of working in the political field since he was in high school. He reckoned that the world of politics provided him with a chance to contribute to the nation. “For freshmen who are currently watching, you are in the right place to contribute to the country. Do not regret studying in the Department; be grateful for this privilege.”
After talking about his career, he proceeded to sharing his academic and non-academic records in university. Aris was active in student organizations, both intra and extra-campus. In his first year, he was a member of BEM KM UGM (the university student board), Dema FISIPOL UGM (the faculty student board), and KOPMA UGM (the university coop). He was also a part of GMNI FISIPOL UGM, an external youth organization. He remarked that GMNI was more like a family to him and it helped him establish connections with seniors, as well as motivate him to be involved in many student activities.
The following year, he successfully took over the position of president of KOMAP, the department student board. As hectic as his schedule was, he felt grateful to be able to utilize his leisure time well. “As a student of politics, we cannot only rely on the knowledge we acquired from our classes. During college, take advantage of your time to the fullest and make time for classes, organizations, and leisure to practice balance,” Aris advised.
Despite being academically and non-academically active, Aris had also experienced being at his lowest point. He was sure that bad times were inevitable part of growth. Commenting on that, he gave some tips to rise from one’s lowest points, which were to remind oneself of parents back at home, increase spirituality, and find supportive friends. “Obstacles like financial problems, insecurities, and the like are normal for everyone. Never feel like you bear the heaviest burden. We need to rise and keep going,” he added.