(Inspirational Story) Surabaya, Saturday, October 4, 2025 – “Kun fayakun.” Be, and it will be. That is the lifeline of Yunida Mustarini, an outstanding student from Klaten, Central Java. The youngest of a family of fruit salad sellers, she has achieved extraordinary success — graduating cum laude from the Islamic Economics Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Airlangga, at the graduation ceremony held on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
Growing up in a village with limited financial resources meant that education was not a top priority in her family. Furthermore, Yunida graduated from high school in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although initially discouraged by her failure to enter her dream state university, she persevered. While working at a trendy cafe, Yunida used her free time to study and prepare for the upcoming SBMPTN (National Selection for State Universities) exam.
Her hard work and strong determination finally won over her father, who had initially been reluctant to grant her permission to attend college due to financial constraints. With full confidence, Yunida assured him, "You don't need to worry, God will help you. I'll find a scholarship and won't ask you for money."
By God's will, in 2021, her efforts bore fruit. Yunida was accepted into Universitas Airlangga through the SBMPTN (National Selection for State Universities) and received a KIP Kuliah (KIP Kuliah) scholarship. Furthermore, she also received an ETOS ID scholarship from Dompet Dhuafa and a Griya Khadijah dormitory scholarship from PUSPAS UNAIR for the past two years. She made the most of these opportunities to develop herself, participating in various activities such as the Qur'an Recitation Student Activity Unit (UKMTQ) and two professional certification programs, earning an award in the form of a stipend equivalent to her UKT (Tuition Fee).
The pinnacle of her inspiring journey came during the graduation ceremony. When the Rector Universitas Airlangga gave the KIPK scholarship recipients the opportunity to share their stories, Yunida loudly raised her hand. With a trembling but confident voice, she recounted her life's journey to the entire graduation ceremony.
Unexpectedly, that moment became a new turning point in her life — the Chancellor Universitas Airlangga – Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, SE, M.Si., M.Fin., directly awarded Yunida a Masters scholarship as an appreciation for her extraordinary struggle.
For Yunida, everything in her life revolves around one belief: Kun fayakun. Nothing is impossible as long as humans try and put their trust in it. "Whatever we fight for is about 'kun fayakun'. So, if there is a good opportunity, why should we postpone it and not try it? Because Allah promises to provide sustenance from unexpected directions for servants who put their trust in it," he said meaningfully.
Yunida Mustarini's story is proof that education can pave the way to life change and new hope. Through perseverance, prayer, and faith, she demonstrates that the opportunity to achieve a better future is always open to anyone who dares to fight. This spirit aligns with the commitment of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Airlangga , to providing higher education that is inclusive, equitable, and empowers Indonesia's young generation.