Culture shock remains a real challenge for students from remote inland areas who continue their studies in the city. A consumptive lifestyle, poor financial management, and declining study discipline often become traps that hinder their future.
This situation prompted Karsa Cipta Asa Foundation (YKCA) chairman Mathias Hariyadi to set aside time during his visit to the interior of West Kalimantan—specifically Darit and Meranti—to mentor 12 Dayak students who are currently studying in the provincial capital of Pontianak.
The meeting, held June 4 at Widya Dharma University Pontianak (UWDP) and facilitated by dean Hadi Santoso, was hosted at the university operated by the Capuchin Franciscans of Pontianak Province. It became a space for reflection and mental strengthening.
“Many students from remote areas fail to adapt because they are not prepared to face changes in lifestyle and the rhythm of studying in the city,” Mathias told LiCAS.
The students come from various institutions, including the state-run Tanjungpura University, the state-run Pontianak State Pastoral College (STPKAT Negeri), and Widya Dharma University Pontianak.
They originate from the inland regencies of Bengkayang, Sintang, Sanggau, and Ketapang, areas that have long faced limited access to education, transportation, and financial resources needed to support higher education.
During the three-hour mentoring session on the evening of June 4, followed by a more relaxed gathering the next afternoon, Mathias emphasized three key areas: life discipline, financial management, and seriousness in academic pursuits.
He stressed that without these foundations, opportunities provided through higher education scholarships could be wasted.
Harsh realities
Some participants have experienced difficult realities. Several had to postpone their studies for as long as two years because of financial constraints. Others worked as migrant laborers in Kuching, Malaysia, or as traditional gold miners in the rivers of Bengkayang to survive.
Through the support of the Karsa Cipta Asa Foundation, these students have been able to continue their education. However, Mathias emphasized that financial assistance alone is not enough.
“The biggest challenge is not only the cost, but building a strong and responsible mentality,” said Hariyadi, a former Jesuit.
One example of the program’s impact is Fatrick Effendy, a YKCA scholarship alumnus from Ketapang Regency. After completing his studies in taxation, he secured employment with a major tax consulting firm in Jakarta.
An expression of gratitude
Since April 2026, Fatrick Effendy—a native of the remote village of Menyumbung in Ketapang Regency—has voluntarily set aside part of his income to support other students. After graduating in taxation from Brawijaya University in Malang, East Java, he chose to express his gratitude by contributing funds to help others pursue their education.
His story reflects how investment in the education of young Catholics from remote areas can produce not only skilled professionals but also a continuing cycle of social solidarity.
Mentoring initiatives such as this are important amid continuing disparities in access and preparedness between urban and rural students. Without proper guidance, higher education risks becoming merely a formality rather than a transformative experience.
For that reason, mental formation, discipline, and social awareness must go hand in hand with scholarship assistance so that students not only graduate but are also prepared to contribute to the development of their communities.
These themes were the focus of Mathias Hariyadi’s mentoring sessions with Dayak students from the interior of West Kalimantan on June 4 and 5.
Participants, including Elisi, Lia Susana, Maria Lova, Wellin, Ria, and Ranty, who reside at Petrina Dormitory in Pontianak under the care of the SFIC Sisters, expressed appreciation for the mentoring program.
Sherly Wulandari, a student from Kapuas Hulu Regency near the border with Sarawak, Malaysia, also credited the program for helping her continue her studies.
“Thanks to Sister Prudentia OSA from Ketapang Regency, I was introduced to YKCA, so for the past two years I have been able to study at UWDP,” said Sherly.
She had previously been forced to suspend her studies for two years after completing high school because of financial difficulties. Reaching Ketapang from her home village of Batang Lupar in Kapuas Hulu Regency can require a journey of one to two days.
