Ms. Okti Hajeng Kristiadi, a 2020 cohort graduate of the Biotechnology undergraduate program at the Faculty of Science and Mathematics (FSM), Diponegoro University, completed her studies in just 3.5 years, earning her S.Biotek degree in March 2024. After graduating, she continued her education through the PMDSU scholarship program at Airlangga University (UNAIR), focusing on Tropical Medicine. This program will span four years, culminating in the doctoral level.
From the start, Ms. Okti aspired to pursue further studies in biotechnology with a focus on health and to earn a scholarship. Securing the PMDSU scholarship was no easy feat—it required finding the right supervisor and aligning her academic path. With support from her family, friends, and a strong recommendation from her first academic advisor, Prof. Hermin, Ms. Okti was accepted at UNAIR. She began her journey as a PMDSU student.
In addition, she was awarded the title of Best Tanoto Scholar 2024, gaining the opportunity to expand her professional network in Singapore alongside Tanoto Foundation scholarship recipients from other top universities such as ITB, UI, IPB, and USU. “This experience broadened my perspective on the importance of networking and cross-institutional collaboration,” she shared.
Ms. Okti was also highly accomplished during her undergraduate studies. Among her achievements: recipient of the TELADAN Tanoto Foundation Scholarship in 2021, 1st Place winner in the National Essay Competition “REACTION 2022” at UPN “Veteran” Yogyakarta, recipient of research funding through the Student Creativity Program in Exact Research (PKM-RE) in 2023, and recipient of the PMDSU Batch 8 Scholarship from the Ministry of Education’s Science and Technology program in 2024.
Her time at FSM UNDIP provided significant academic and practical benefits. “The coursework in Biotechnology helped me grasp the fundamentals of health-related biotechnology. Practically, the well-organised research facilities and administrative systems made it easier for me to apply for research grants and graduate on time,” she explained. She also mentioned that she learned about the PMDSU scholarship from a faculty graduation group. “From that, I realised the importance of staying proactive in seeking information and building a network,” she said.
At the end of the interview, Ms. Okti offered a message to current FSM UNDIP students:
“Pray and give your best effort. Make the most of your university experience by taking every opportunity and planning your future carefully. If you dream of continuing your studies or pursuing a particular career, start preparing early. I hope my studies at UNAIR go smoothly and can inspire fellow students at FSM UNDIP to keep striving for excellence.”