Turning Passion Into Purpose

Class of 2023 graduate Sakti Jati grew up with big dreams of using his passion for science to help develop his hometown in Central Java. Those dreams took a significant step forward when he arrived at JIS in Grade 10 as a Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (BTI) Scholar, where he found the support and resources to refine his plan. Now a JIS Alumnus, Sakti is continuing his journey at Sampoerna University under a full scholarship, focusing on how he can make a lasting impact on his community. We had the chance to speak to Sakti about his JIS experience, the challenges he’s overcome, and the vision he has for the future of his hometown.

Could you tell us a bit about your personal background?

I come from Banjarnegara, a small town in Central Java. I went to one of the top public schools there. What I did the most during middle school [before going to JIS] was pursuing my passion to be a scientist — even though I ended up studying engineering. But I’m really glad I was able to join JIS in 2020.

What led you to apply for the JIS BTI Scholarship?

It came from my initiative to pursue a more diverse, international education when I was about to graduate from Grade 9. I came to JIS in Grade 10. I was looking for scholarships from different schools, such as a private boarding school here in Central Java, two in Semarang, and, of course, Jakarta Intercultural School.

The most important thing I was looking for was the support of my passion. As I said before, I wanted to be a scientist or engineer, so I was looking for a school that could provide the facilities to support my passion — especially labs, faculty, supportive environment, and so on.

The process took several months, from the time I applied until it was announced I was accepted as a BTI Scholar. When the announcement came, I was really surprised — I cried with my mom. I couldn’t believe I had made it through the selection and interview process. I met other candidates who had potential; they looked smarter than me! But my mom told me to be confident and be by myself.

I remember, in the interview, I was stuttering, and I wasn’t sure they understood me. But now I can express myself better and advocate for others.

How did your time at JIS shape your perspectives and aspirations?

I always wanted to be able to develop my hometown. I’ve always thought about how I could help the government to, for example, improve the quality of education and [the local community]. I didn’t really understand what I could do to help or to take action. But during my time at JIS, there were so many great teachers who inspired me to take concrete action on how to develop myself, the environment, and communities, and to advocate for them.

What are your future goals for yourself and for Indonesia?

It’s important for me that my ideas and actions are more impactful to my surroundings, so right now I’m working on a project to improve the mobility of the people in my hometown through my studies in transportation systems and connectivity. JIS has already taught me how to study and do research, and how to communicate with the government and other parties.

I plan to do written, qualitative research on the mechanisms that are needed. I know collaboration is important. I’m limited by the challenge of a first-year university student; I don’t have enough power or influence. But as time passes, as I gain more responsibilities, more knowledge, and skills, I think I will be able to implement what I have been working on. 

But I’m also working on several other things that could help communities and the environment; social issues in my hometown, such as the lack of high-quality education and child marriage.

Do you have a message for the newly graduated Class of 2024 or your own former classmates?

Always keep in touch and remember where you came from — do your best for them, make them proud, and give back.

The Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (BTI) Scholarship Fund supports scholars like Sakti to benefit from an international education at JIS and support their dreams to be Best for the World.

If you would like to support the BTI Scholarship Fund, please visit our website to find out more and make a donation.