UIN Jakarta's Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FAH) is not only known for its academic quality, but also for its commitment to inclusive education. In the midst of an increasingly open academic climate, there is a student who not only struggles to achieve his dreams, but also inspires many people around him. He is Ahmad Maki, a disabled student who is currently pursuing a Master of Arabic Language and Literature (MBSA) degree at FAH UIN Jakarta.

Maki, who hails from Garut, has shown tremendous fighting spirit in his pursuit of education. After completing his undergraduate education at UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang with the same major, Maki continued his studies to the Masters level at UIN Jakarta. This decision was not taken without reason. In addition to the MBSA program at UIN Jakarta being one of those recommended by the Ministry of Finance's Education Fund Management Agency (LPDP), Maki was also inspired by UIN Jakarta's reputation for quality research and great alumni.

Maki's interest in linguistics, especially in critical discourse analysis, encourages her to continue searching and sorting out research topics that suit her interests. She hopes to find a lecturer who can provide opportunities and discuss the research she is interested in. Not only focusing on campus studies, Maki is often active in various social and educational activities. He once founded a village-scale creative youth organization called PEMBARA (Pemuda-Pemudi Bakti Babakan Rancasalak). This organization is engaged in various fields, ranging from religion, education, to the environment. Maki was also active as an Arabic teacher at her boarding school before she had to quit due to her busy college life. Nevertheless, she has a TPQ (Al-Qur'an Education Park) in her house that is still active to this day.

Armed with the experience and network she gained while studying at MBSA UIN Jakarta, Maki has a big dream to establish an educational institution, such as a foundation or boarding school. He also aspires to become a lecturer and researcher in the field of disability and linguistics.

“Armed with my experience and acquaintances while at MBSA, I would like to own an educational institution such as a foundation or boarding school. For the continuation of my career, I also want to become a lecturer and researcher in the field of disability and linguistics,” said Maki in his interview (Monday, 10/02/2025).

Maki shared her experience while studying at MBSA UIN Jakarta. He was pleased with the friendliness of his friends and the availability of good facilities, especially the parking lot which is close to the study building. However, she also highlighted some things that need to be improved, such as the distance of the restroom which is a bit far from the class and the attention of the campus to the academic needs of students with disabilities in particular.

“MBSA people are friendly, the facilities are good, especially the parking lot close to the learning building, maybe the WC is a bit too far from the class, I really need a WC if the class is air-conditioned, especially since the AC is cold there. Other than that, I would love to do research and get the opportunity to mentor in the field of disability and linguistics with the lecturers. Hopefully in the future there will be lecturers who are interested in guiding and optimizing my potential,” Maki explained.

Maki also shared the challenges she faced in her coursework. She felt a little overwhelmed because after a gap year of 4 years, she had to immediately focus on research and scientific articles without any prior training. Despite this, she continued to study independently and with her friends.

“The coursework is the challenge, hehe. Maybe I was overwhelmed from a gap year of 4 years and suddenly I was told to focus on research and scientific articles without any previous training. Even so, I continue to learn about research and articles with other friends and also study on YouTube,” said Maki.

Maki feels very grateful to be in the Faculty of Adab and Humanities (FAH) UIN Jakarta. She sees that humanities is a very multidisciplinary science so it is very easy to enter into other sciences. She gave an example of disability issues that can be raised through various approaches, such as critical discourse analysis, ethnography, and linguistics. Maki has a strong desire to contribute to the field of disability and linguistics research. She sees that disability issues are very important to pay attention to and she wants to contribute through relevant research.

Maki sees the future of MBSA UIN Jakarta as very promising. He believes that many professors who are very qualified in their fields can make a major contribution to the development of this study program. He also sees good career opportunities as a researcher and lecturer after completing his studies at MBSA UIN Jakarta.

Maki is a living example that education can change everything. She shared how education has elevated her status and made her more empowered. She also wants to share the inspiration that life should be devoted to education and end in a state of education.

“Education changes everything. I really feel that. Where I used to be bullied and intimidated, now my status has risen with education. People who used to bully and insult me are now silent and respect me. With education, life becomes easier and less complicated. Education has led me to become an empowered human being, who is able to do all activities that are not possible for other normal people. The point is to live educated and die educated,” Maki concluded.

Maki's story is an inspiring struggle that teaches us about perseverance, courage and the passion to achieve dreams. He uses education as a tool to change his life and make a positive contribution to society. Hopefully Maki's story can be a grateful mirror for all of us not to give up easily in all limitations.

Author: Hilya Maylaffayza

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