UPNVJ Public Relations – Dhi'fan Razaqa, S.Kom., a graduate of the Informatics Study Program, Faculty of Computer Science (FIK) of the National Development University “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ), representing the graduates, delivered a speech of gratitude at the 77th UPNVJ Graduation Session II at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC), Senayan, Jakarta, Saturday (12/9/2026). Through reflections on his academic journey and competency development, Dhi'fan voiced the readiness of graduates in the field of technology and informatics to adapt, innovate, and present solutions for society. This message also illustrates that readiness to enter the professional world is built through the learning process, the courage to face failure, and the willingness to continuously improve one's capacity.

UPNVJ's 77th graduation ceremony was attended by 1,943 graduates from seven faculties and took place in two sessions. The second session was attended by 916 graduates, consisting of 177 from the Faculty of Engineering, 259 from the Faculty of Computer Science, 169 from the Faculty of Law, and 311 from the Faculty of Health Sciences.

In front of the graduates and their families, Dhi'fan reflected on the beginning of his journey as an Informatics student at UPNVJ. He admitted to being overcome with anxiety after failing the SNMPTN (National Selection for State Universities) before finally being accepted through the UTBK-SBMPTN (National Selection for State Universities) and beginning his education in a rapidly developing field.

The journey wasn't always accompanied by ideal facilities. At the beginning of college, Dhi'fan was still using a laptop his parents had bought him when he was in junior high. The limited hardware meant he had to deal with slow programming and various technical difficulties. Rather than giving up, this situation encouraged him to set self-development goals from the first semester.

He completed over 20 online programming courses to expand his information technology skills. The following semester, Dhi'fan tried joining the Android Student Study Group (KSM), now known as Veterantech, and also participated in several software development competitions. Initial results were not favorable. He failed to pass the KSM selection process, and he failed to reach the final round in three competitions.

"However, the severity of the failure did not stop me from continuing to learn," said Dhi'fan.

This persistence began to bear fruit in the third and fourth semesters. Through the Wicara app , which stemmed from his personal experience of facing a fear of public speaking, Dhi'fan and his team successfully brought UPNVJ's name to the 37th National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS) at Airlangga University.

His journey then expanded into various learning spaces and professional experiences. Dhi'fan was entrusted with a position on the KSM Android board, a position he had previously been unable to access. He won awards in several software development competitions , and secured internships at Telkomsel and Kumparan . He was also selected as one of three recipients of the Bank Indonesia Scholarship in his faculty.

Another opportunity came through Telkomsel's IndonesiaNext national innovation competition. Out of approximately 9,000 applicants, Dhi'fan finished second and earned the opportunity to participate in an educational trip to Hong Kong. Now, his competency development journey continues through the Apple Developer Academy.

For him, this series of failures and successes demonstrates that technology graduates' abilities aren't formed overnight. Readiness for the digital industry is developed through learning habits, competitive experience, collaboration, and the courage to try again after failure.

In his thank-you note, Dhi'fan expressed his appreciation to UPNVJ, the Career Development and Entrepreneurship Unit, and the Faculty of Computer Science for supporting his development. He also expressed special appreciation to Ati Zaidiah and Radinal Setyadinsa, who accompanied him throughout his academic journey, including during PIMNAS and the completion of his thesis.

He also expressed his gratitude to Bank Indonesia and Telkomsel for providing access to scholarships, competitions, and personal development experiences. However, his most personal appreciation goes to his parents.

"Thank you for my first laptop in junior high school, which started this long journey. Thank you for your unwavering prayers, allowing me to wear this toga," he said.

Dhi'fan then urged the graduates to view their academic degrees not merely as a sign of the end of their studies. As graduates of the National Defense campus, he argued, the knowledge and competencies gained must be translated into tangible contributions.

"The degrees we hold today are not just a token of our completion. They are a trust. My hope for all of us is that we can use the knowledge and experience we've gained here to provide real solutions for society. Let's help drive innovation and the economy so Indonesia can continue to move forward," he said.

This message aligns with the development direction of UPNVJ graduates, which upholds the spirit of "Becoming Competent Graduates, with National Defense Character, and Impactful to the Nation." For FIK graduates, technological competency is becoming increasingly strategic amidst the acceleration of digital transformation and the development of artificial intelligence.

UPNVJ Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, Drs., MA Comm., previously emphasized that technological developments and artificial intelligence require universities to remain adaptive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of society and industry. According to the Rector, UPNVJ's Faculty of Information and Communication plays a crucial role in developing superior human resources in the technology and digital fields.

Dhi'fan's journey is a reflection of that direction. From limited equipment, rejection, and failure in competitions to gaining experience at the national, international, and technology industry levels, he concluded his studies with a simple message to fellow graduates: keep learning, don't be afraid to fail, and...

using competencies to create impact.

For UPNVJ, a graduate's success doesn't end when their name is called at the graduation ceremony. The next measure is how the knowledge, National Defense character, and competencies developed on campus can be applied to meet societal needs and support Indonesia's progress amidst increasingly rapid technological change.