From Drinking Tap Water to Doctoral Studies: Indonesian Student Overcomes Poverty to Pursue Education Abroad
The path to higher education is rarely straightforward, but for Ahmad Rif’an Khoirul Lisan, 32, the obstacles were particularly acute. Facing familial financial hardship and initial resistance from his father, Rif’an persevered, securing scholarships and working tirelessly to achieve his academic dreams – culminating in doctoral studies in the Netherlands. His story, originating from Pleret, Bantul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is a testament to the power of determination and the transformative potential of education, even in the face of significant adversity. Rif’an’s journey highlights the challenges many students face in accessing higher education and the lengths they will go to overcome them.
In 2012, Rif’an gained admission to the Faculty of Geography at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), a highly-regarded Indonesian university. However, his initial excitement was met with concern from his father, who worried about the financial burden of university fees. With six younger siblings still requiring support, and his parents’ limited income – his father worked as a freelance Quran teacher and his mother was a homemaker – the prospect of funding Rif’an’s education seemed insurmountable. His parents initially urged him to enter the workforce immediately after completing secondary school to contribute to the family’s income, a common reality for many Indonesian families facing economic constraints.
Initial Resistance and the Drive to Succeed
Despite his father’s reservations, Rif’an remained resolute in his pursuit of higher education. He understood his family’s financial situation but believed that education was not merely a personal aspiration, but a pathway to improving their collective future. This conviction fueled his determination to identify a way to finance his studies. Rif’an had a history of supplementing his income through part-time work, a habit he knew would be essential during his university years. He recognized the limitations of his family’s resources and avoided relying heavily on their support.
The initial opposition from his family didn’t complete with his father’s concerns. Rif’an experienced periods where he felt a lack of support from his family, as they struggled to reconcile his academic ambitions with their financial realities. This emotional strain added to the already considerable challenges he faced. However, he remained focused on his goal, driven by the desire to create a better life for himself and his siblings.
Surviving as a Student at UGM
The early days of university life at the Faculty of Geography at UGM in 2012 were a struggle. Rif’an immediately began applying for scholarships, including the Bidikmisi program (now known as KIP Kuliah), a government initiative designed to support students from low-income families. According to UGM’s official website, Rif’an actively participated in various campus organizations, not only to enhance his skills and network but also to access free meals offered at campus events. He strategically sought out opportunities where food was provided, recognizing the importance of every meal when resources were scarce.
In particularly challenging times, Rif’an resorted to drinking tap water as he couldn’t afford bottled water. “I often participated in campus events because I knew there would be food. There were times I drank water from the tap because I couldn’t afford to buy bottled water,” Rif’an stated, as reported by Mojok.co on March 14, 2026. When facing hunger, he sought out the cheapest food stalls near UGM, where a basic meal of rice, vegetables, and a fried snack could be purchased for approximately 4,000 Indonesian Rupiah (approximately $0.25 USD as of March 15, 2026). He prioritized sustenance over quality, focusing on simply having something to eat.
Rif’an also participated in campus gardening initiatives, harvesting fruits with his friends to supplement their diets. This resourcefulness demonstrated his commitment to finding creative solutions to overcome his financial challenges.
A Helping Hand and Continued Academic Success
To further support himself, Rif’an worked various part-time jobs while studying, including selling snacks like *arem-arem* (rice cakes) and *bubur kacang ijo* (green bean porridge) during the day and working at an internet café in the evenings. This allowed him to earn money while also having access to a computer for his studies. Remarkably, a compassionate professor recognized his struggles and generously donated a used computer, enabling Rif’an to complete his assignments more efficiently.
Rif’an’s dedication and academic performance eventually led to further opportunities. After graduating from UGM, he pursued a master’s degree in the United States, continuing his academic journey. Details regarding the specific university and program in the US are currently unavailable, but his success demonstrates the long-term impact of his perseverance and the support he received along the way. He is now pursuing a doctoral degree in the Netherlands, furthering his expertise in his field of study.
Expanding Opportunities Through Education
Ahmad Rif’an Khoirul Lisan’s story underscores the critical role of education in breaking cycles of poverty and creating opportunities for social mobility. His journey, from a student struggling to afford basic necessities to a doctoral candidate in Europe, is an inspiring example of the transformative power of education. The challenges he faced highlight the systemic barriers that prevent many talented students from accessing higher education, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. His success also emphasizes the importance of community support, including the generosity of professors and the availability of scholarship programs like KIP Kuliah, in helping students overcome financial obstacles.
According to Google Scholar, Rif’an is affiliated with the Faculty of Geography at Universitas Gadjah Mada and has collaborated with researchers such as Djati Mardiatno and Apolonia Diana Sherly. His Google Scholar profile indicates a growing body of research and a commitment to academic excellence.
Rif’an’s story serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, resilience, and access to opportunities, individuals can overcome even the most daunting challenges and achieve their full potential. His journey is a beacon of hope for aspiring students facing similar circumstances, demonstrating that a brighter future is possible through education.
As Rif’an continues his doctoral studies, his research promises to contribute to the field of geography and potentially inform policies aimed at addressing social and economic inequalities. Further updates on his academic progress and research findings can be expected as his studies progress.
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