Residents in Malalak, West Sumatra rally together to help a bright student pursue his dream at ITB
In the highlands of West Sumatra, unity and hope have paved a young student’s path to one of Indonesia’s most prestigious universities. Devit Febriansyah’s academic success touched the hearts of his entire village, sparking a grassroots fundraising effort to get him to Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB).
Devit: A Singular Achievement From Malalak
Devit Febriansyah, 18, from Malalak on the slopes of Mount Singgalang, made headlines when he became the only student from his subdistrict to pass the 2025 Seleksi Nasional Berdasarkan Prestasi (SNBP). The SMAN 1 Bukittinggi graduate was accepted into the School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (STEI) at ITB, an opportunity he described as “a great blessing.”
A Symbol of Community Pride
Coming from a family with limited income—his father a cinnamon wood porter and his mother a laborer—Devit’s dream of attending ITB seemed distant. But when news of his acceptance spread, his village stepped up. Neighbors from Malalak voluntarily donated funds, from Rp 50,000 to millions, to support his travel and settlement in Bandung.
Rektor’s Personal Gesture of Support
ITB’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, MT, personally visited Devit’s home to commend his achievement. “At ITB, you’ll meet many brilliant minds. Keep giving your best and never lose hope,” he encouraged. During the visit, Devit received a laptop and Rp 5 million (approx. SGD 400) in transportation aid from PT Paragon Technology and Innovation.
Support from KIP Kuliah and Industry
Devit was also awarded the Kartu Indonesia Pintar (KIP) Kuliah scholarship, which covers tuition and provides a living stipend. This support, targeted at high-performing students from low-income backgrounds, has allowed Devit to focus fully on his future.
He’s Not Alone: Other Inspiring SNBP Stories
Devit wasn’t the only student from West Sumatra to earn a place at ITB this year. Nauli Al Ghifari and Deka Fakira Berna also passed the SNBP. Nauli, accepted into the Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, is the son of a used clothing vendor with an annual income of just Rp 8 million (SGD 640). Deka will join the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
Education as a Path to Upliftment
These three students are not only changing their own futures but symbolizing hope for countless others from disadvantaged backgrounds. The direct support from ITB leadership and corporate partners underlines a growing recognition of academic merit over privilege.
Devit’s story highlights how collective community action and institutional support can uplift promising youth across Indonesia. It sends a clear message to Singaporeans and Indonesians alike: real change happens when communities, universities, and industry come together to empower future leaders.
Sources: Detik (2025) , Tribun News (2025)
Keywords: Devit Febriansyah, Institut Teknologi Bandung, West Sumatra Village, ITB Scholarships, SNBP 2025
