Muhammad Jabir Al Hanan (kissing the hand) while receiving a gift from ITS Vice Rector II Dr. Ir. Machsus ST MT (wearing a cap)

ITS Campus, ITS News –Economic limitations are not a barrier to continuing to do good deeds by donating to ease the burden on others. This inspiring attitude comes from Muhammad Jabir Al Hanan, a student in the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), who regularly donates for the common good despite his own limited economic circumstances.

The son of Nurul Huda Ja’far and Afrida Sugeng Kristyanti is determined to attend college without burdening his parents. Considering that his mother is a junior high school teacher and his father is a Madrasah Aliyah (MA) teacher who also raises chickens, Jabir actively seeks scholarships that can support him financially in college.

Vice Rector II of ITS, Dr. Ir. Machsus, ST, MT (second from the left), along with the ITS LPDA team, visited the home of Muhammad Jabir Al Hanan (center) in Malang.

Jabir himself was admitted to this Hero Campus through the National Selection Based on Tests (SNBT) pathway. Additionally, he is also listed as a recipient of the Indonesia Smart Card – Higher Education (KIP-K) Scheme I scholarship, which provides assistance for paying the Single Tuition Fee (UKT) and living expenses.

He has utilized this golden opportunity to further develop and excel. He is actively involved in various managerial and religious activities. Jabir is a member of the Association of Materials and Metallurgy Engineering Students (HMMT), the ITS Material Advantage Student Chapter (IMAC), and the Islamic Spiritual Studies Institute (LKKI) Ash-Haabul Kahfi. “My interest in research led me to win the 2nd Runner-Up Award in the Mining Case Competition 2024 and the Best Topic Award at SPACE UP 6.0 at Pertamina University,” he shared.

It is worth noting that as the eldest of three siblings, he is also a hafiz of nine juz of the Quran. To continue his memorization, this graduate of the State Senior High School (MAN) 2 in Malang City also became a student at the Darussalam Islamic Boarding School in Keputih, Surabaya. Thus, Jabir demonstrates that good time management is essential to balance worldly and spiritual pursuits. “Indeed, this Islamic boarding school targets university students, so it does not interfere with academic schedules,” he explained.

While attending college, Jabir was involved in an accident that required him to be hospitalized for three months for recovery. The accident, which occurred a week after he entered the Islamic boarding school, caused Jabir to suffer memory loss. Although he was unable to resume normal activities, Jabir slowly began to regain his old memories by reviewing past material. “If my head starts to hurt while studying, I take a short break,” he said.

Moreover, another significant challenge in his life had already occurred earlier. At the beginning of his university studies, his mother suffered a stroke, leaving her unable to teach as she had before. She could only teach for two days a week.

ITS leadership in front of the ITS Endowment Monument displayed at the ITS Rectorate Building

Several months after the accident he experienced, this young man born on October 12, 2004, was moved to donate to his alma mater. Though the amount was not large, it was the consistency of donating every day that could serve as an example for other students. Starting in February 2025, Jabir used the auto-debit feature from his savings account to ensure a certain amount was automatically transferred. “This is my way of expressing gratitude to ITS for the opportunities it has provided,” he explained gratefully.

Jabir’s act of giving back has become part of a larger movement. The donations he channels are managed by the ITS Endowment Fund Management Institution (LPDA), an initiative born out of a spirit of collaboration for the greater good. Through LPDA, ITS, along with its partners and donors, pools an endowment fund entirely dedicated to the needs of the academic community. This includes assistance with students’ living expenses and support for activities related to the Tri Dharma of Higher Education.

Director of LPDA ITS Dr. Eng. Kriyo Sambodho, ST, MEng (left) and Rector of ITS Prof. Ir. Bambang Pramujati, ST, MSc Eng, PhD (center) receiving a donation from the ITS Cup 2025 Charity Golf Tournament

In line with Jabir, Director of LPDA ITS Dr. Eng. Kriyo Sambodho, ST, MEng, added that the endowment fund is based on the principle that the principal must remain intact and cannot be used. Only the income or interest generated from the fund’s investments may be utilized. One of its benefits is for the Endowment Fund Scholarship for Living Expenses for KIP-K Scheme II students. “Jabir can serve as an example for other students, even those with sufficient economic means, to regularly donate to their alma mater,” said the ITS Department of Marine Engineering lecturer, affectionately known as Dhodot.

Jabir’s story is also in line with the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which promotes access to quality and inclusive education. His struggle proves that socioeconomic background is not a barrier to achievement. Jabir’s experience can inspire other students that opportunities for growth are open to anyone who is willing to work hard, regardless of their economic circumstances. (ITS Public Relation)

Reporter: Ahmad Husein Al Qomary