Public Relations of UPNVJ – Wahid Oktovian, a graduate of the Bachelor of Communication Studies Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of the National Development University “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ), won the Karya Mahardika Award for First Place at the 77th UPNVJ Graduation at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC), Senayan, Jakarta, Saturday (12/9/2026). Wahid achieved a Karya Mahardika score of 1,423.75 with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.83. This achievement was reinforced by a series of non-academic achievements, especially in the field of pencak silat at the national and international levels.
During his time as a student, Wahid earned 21 achievements. Three of these came in the international competition Indonesia Paku Bumi Open: first place in the Male Adult Match Class A at the 13th Indonesia Paku Bumi Open International Championship 2025, first place in the Male College/Adult Team Art category at the same championship, and first place in the Male Adult/College Achievement Team Art at the 12th Indonesia Paku Bumi Open International Championship 2024.
For Wahid, Karya Mahardika marks a long journey he's been building since his school days. His desire to excel grew from his experiences receiving awards in junior high and vocational high school. He realized then that achievement not only brings personal pride but also brings happiness to his parents and motivates those around him.
"I am very proud and grateful for this Karya Mahardika award. Initially, I never even thought about Mahardika. What was always on my mind was how my achievements could make my parents proud and motivate my friends," said Wahid.
His motivation grew when he saw several of his colleagues receive the Karya Mahardika Award upon graduating from UPNVJ. Based on this experience, Wahid convinced himself that similar opportunities were within his reach as long as he maintained consistency and delivered the best results throughout his studies.
The journey wasn't easy. Wahid had to juggle morning and afternoon lectures, evening pencak silat training, competitions, organizational activities, and completing academic assignments. He chose to be disciplined in managing his time so that non-academic pursuits wouldn't compromise his obligations as a student.
"I've always instilled in myself the need to balance academic and non-academic pursuits. When it's time for lectures, I study from morning until evening. When I have pencak silat practice, I practice at night. After practice, I still work on assignments, or finish them in the morning before class starts," he said.
Pencak silat, according to Wahid, has not only earned him medals. This martial art fosters discipline, responsibility, courage under pressure, consistency, and self-confidence. He also feels these traits are relevant to his field of study in Communication Studies, particularly when it comes to discussions, building relationships, negotiating, and communicating with various stakeholders within the university.
One of his most memorable moments occurred even before he officially enrolled at UPNVJ. At the 2022 PORSIMNAS WIMAYA, Wahid received the opportunity to represent UPNVJ in the pencak silat event after receiving support from the Jakarta Veteran Pencak Silat Student Activity Unit (UKM PSVJ). He competed in the Class A men's competition and the men's singles category.
Wahid recalls the men's solo performance as a turning point that transformed his student journey. He explained that he won a gold medal and received a personal commendation from Dr. Ria Maria Theresa, SpKJ., MH. The experience made him feel like he was in an environment that provided space for students to develop, grow, and receive recognition for their hard work.
However, the toughest test came in 2025, when Wahid assumed the role of Chairman of the PSVJ Student Activity Unit. With just days to go before the national pencak silat championship, his father passed away. Amidst the grief, he had to decide between his responsibilities to his family and the mandate to represent the student activity unit and the UPNVJ name in the competition.
Wahid chose to first complete his father's funeral and be with his family. After that, he slowly returned to independent training. With his family's blessing, Wahid finally participated in the championship.
"I tried to accept it and keep going. The thought in my mind at the time was, 'I'll just do it. If I don't go in the end, that's okay; the important thing is that I tried,'" he said.
The decision yielded results he hadn't imagined. Wahid competed in both the sparring and team arts categories, winning gold medals in both. According to Wahid, the UPNVJ team also secured first place overall in the championship. Beyond the podium finish, the experience taught him lessons in courage, sincerity, and the ability to keep going when things don't go according to plan.
Wahid's greatest motivation throughout his journey remained the same: making his parents and family proud. For him, achievement isn't just about medals, titles, or awards, but rather how the long journey he's undertaken can bring happiness to those closest to him and shape him into a stronger person.
Closing his study journey, Wahid advised UPNVJ students not to be afraid to try and not to give up easily when facing failure or challenges.
"Never be afraid to try, never give up, and keep moving forward. Consistency and perseverance are the keys to success. Do and finish what you start. Keep fighting, find your identity, and develop your potential, both academically and non-academicly," he advised.
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Writer: Disa Prihantini | Language Coordinator : F. Noor