In 2023, Yayasan Karsa Cipta Asa (YKCA) launched its Pintu Depan (Front Door) Program to support students from remote areas in accessing higher education.
However, the initiative faced a key challenge: how to identify morally upright and diligent Catholic students eligible for financial aid.
Since potential candidates are nominated by YKCA’s on-the-ground partners—bishops, priests, and religious congregations—a structured way to assess applicants was necessary.
This need led to the creation of Formation Program Phase 1, a two-day gathering designed to foster self-awareness and community bonding while allowing YKCA to better understand each student.
“The past is not forgotten. By reflecting on past experiences and current challenges, students build a solid psychological foundation to develop their personal capacities,” explained Mathias Hariyadi, YKCA’s executive director.
Two distinct gatherings
A group of YKCA students in West Kalimantan’s Pontianak participates in a breakout session during the Formation Program. The session focuses on collaborative activities aimed at developing critical thinking and teamwork. The interaction reflects the program’s emphasis on collective learning and personal growth. Photo credit: Yayasan Karsa Cipta Asa (YKCA)
Currently, YKCA supports 27 university students from remote areas who are pursuing degrees in various locations.
In Java, these include Semarang, Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Purwokerto. In West Kalimantan, the students are based in Pontianak.
The majority of these students are lay Catholics from Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Riau, Mentawai, and Nias, studying pharmacy, nursing, history, politics, IT, accounting, business, and management.
The first Formation Program took place on Dec. 7–8, 2024, at Widya Dharma University in Pontianak, hosting seven students. The second was held on Jan. 3–4, 2025, at the Dominican Praying House in Yogyakarta, attended by 12 students.
Establishing emotional bonds
The first day focused on aligning perceptions and processing past experiences as a foundation for shaping a better future.
“Many students faced financial struggles that made education seem unattainable. Recognizing their shared experiences fostered a strong emotional bond,” Hariyadi said.
The second day marked a significant milestone.
“They now fully understand that their education is made possible by the generosity of Catholic donors,” Hariyadi reflected.
The Yogyakarta gathering was particularly diverse, bringing together students from various regions, including Mentawai in West Sumatra, Nias in North Sumatra, Kampar in Riau, Muna Island in Southeast Sulawesi, Ketapang in West Kalimantan, and Java.
Unlike the Pontianak session, which primarily included Dayak and Chinese students, this group represented a broader ethnic mix.
4Bs to reach star
FX Juli Pramana, a vocational teacher and catechist from St. Paul Kleco Parish, co-facilitated the session.
Drawing from his experience as an educator and scholarship mentor, he emphasized the importance of the 4Bs: good brain, behavior, beauty, and inner beauty.
“The success of this program lies in the students’ awareness of their responsibility to study diligently, remain disciplined, and express gratitude to their benefactors through their intellectual achievements to reach their dreams,” Hariyadi said.
The program ended with heartfelt gestures of appreciation for the donors, many of whom are retired individuals dedicated to humanitarian causes.
Cardinal Suharyo’s response
Recognizing the program’s impact, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo of Jakarta praised YKCA’s efforts.
“I am delighted to see YKCA launching this Formation Program, helping young Catholics from remote areas achieve intellectual excellence and become valuable members of society,” he wrote, affirming his support with three thumbs-up.
Royani Ping is post-graduate alumni from University of Melbourne, since 2010 Director of Yayasan Bhumiksara and lecturer in Business and Economics Faculty of the Catholic University of Atma Jaya Jakarta
