Muhammad Naufal Arsy Katon shakes hands with ITS Chancellor Prof. Dr. (HC) Ir. Bambang Pramujati ST MSc Eng PhD after receiving his diploma at the 132nd ITS Graduation Ceremony

ITS Campus, ITS News — The Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) once again produced outstanding graduates at its 132nd Graduation Ceremony on Saturday (September 27th). One of them was Muhammad Naufal Arsy Katon from the ITS Civil Infrastructure Engineering Department , who left an inspiring story through his entrepreneurial endeavors and community empowerment.

The independent spirit instilled in him while studying at the Bumi Sholawat Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo became a crucial stepping stone for this young man, known as Arsy, to pursue his entrepreneurial path during his studies. At the Islamic boarding school, the Surabaya-based applied bachelor’s degree graduate learned the meaning of independence, including financial independence. “This value gave me the courage to start a business in my first semester,” he recalled.

That courage manifested itself in 2021 when he founded a simple coffee shop called Podo Ngopi. Amidst the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic, Arsy saw an opportunity to help others. The need for students to find productive, affordable learning spaces, coupled with the rising unemployment rate, convinced him to develop the business.

Muhammad Naufal Arsy Katon (right) through the Beggy Project while distributing appreciation aid to local heroes

His good efforts paid off, and he successfully expanded Podo Ngopi to employ four employees. However, his foray into the business world didn’t stop there. Arsy realized that an entrepreneurial spirit must also be cultivated in students. “Running a business while still in college wasn’t easy, but the experience taught me a lot,” he concluded.

This belief also motivated Arsy to actively develop the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI PT) at ITS. Thanks to his performance and dedication, he was later appointed Chair of HIPMI PT ITS for the 2023 term. “There are many things I want to improve, from internal strengthening to how this organization can have a broad impact on students,” he said.

The warmth of customers while chatting at the Podo Ngopi coffee shop owned by Muhammad Naufal Arsy Katon

To realize this dream, Arsy initiated a regular program called “Sinau Bareng Owner” (SBO). This program features local Surabaya entrepreneurs as resource persons to share their experiences and business strategies. SBO activities are not limited to members of the Indonesian Student Association (HIPMI) of ITS; they are also open to all ITS students, thus serving as a collective learning space that fosters the growth of an entrepreneurial spirit on the “Kampus Pahlawan” (Hero Campus).

As a leadership summit, Arsy initiated a talk show titled The Grand Leader Summit. The event featured the Mayor of Surabaya, the Rector of ITS, young entrepreneurs, and directors of national companies as speakers. Through this event, Arsy hopes to inspire ITS students to not only focus on professional careers but also to develop an entrepreneurial spirit that contributes to the nation’s economy.

Muhammad Naufal Arsy Katon (sixth from right) with a number of ITS figures and speakers at the ITS Grand Leader Summit which he initiated.

What’s special is that the speakers at the event are ITS alumni who have proven their achievements in business and industry. By presenting these outstanding figures from the same alma mater, Arsy hopes that ITS students will gain more confidence and be motivated to achieve success in their respective fields.

Besides business, Arsy also places a strong emphasis on community empowerment. Together with her father, this recipient of the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) at Atlantic Technological University in Ireland founded the Insan Mulia Bangsa Foundation. This institution aims to improve the skills of Islamic boarding school students (santri), particularly those with limited access to formal education.

Through the foundation, Arsy and fellow ITS students have organized various training programs, including barista training, smartphone product photography for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) , and scholarship programs for high-achieving and underprivileged students. “We want to be there to recognize and support young people with potential so they have greater opportunities,” he said.

Looking ahead, Arsy, who also graduated alongside her father at ITS’s 132nd Commencement Ceremony, plans to continue her education in the Land of the Windmills. Arsy’s inspiring story aligns with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) point 4 on quality education. “Don’t be afraid to take steps; start small and love the process,” she motivated. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Andra Eka Wijayanti
Translator: Devinka Mutianeira