Kustitik, a lecturer in Administrative Education from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at Yogyakarta State University (UNY), has successfully earned her Doctorate in Economic Education. She achieved this milestone after defending her dissertation, titled "Education Investment Decision Model for Employee-Class Students," at the Doctoral Program of FEB, State University of Malang (UM) on Thursday (16/5).

Her dissertation was developed under the guidance of three advisors: Prof. Dr. Heri Pratikto, M.Sc., Prof. Dr. Hari Wahyono, M.Pd., and Dr. Dwi Wulandari, M.M., CFP. During the open defense, Kustitik presented her research findings to a board of examiners that included Prof. Dr. Cipto Wardoyo, M.Pd., Prof. Dr. Nasikh, M.P., M.Pd., Dr. Endang Sri Andayani, and Prof. Dr. Siswanto, M.Pd. from FEB UNY, who served as external examiners.

Kustitik’s research addresses the challenge of high educational costs in Indonesia, which often limits access to higher education for lower-middle-income groups. She highlighted that employee-class programs can provide greater opportunities for workers wishing to pursue formal education. However, she also noted that maintaining employment while studying often poses challenges, leading to difficulties for many in achieving their educational investment goals.

Using an explanatory survey method, her study involved 316 respondents from Pamulang University and Sutomo University. The analysis, conducted with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Smart PLS version 3, revealed that family financial socialization and the use of social networks have a positive and significant impact on educational investment decisions. Additionally, the study identified financial literacy and an internal locus of control as crucial mediating factors in these decisions.

With this achievement, Kustitik is expected to make a meaningful contribution to the field of Economic Education, particularly in advocating for more inclusive and accessible education policies. Her findings can serve as a valuable reference for policymakers aiming to develop programs that support continued education for workers and lower-middle-income communities in Indonesia. (fdhl)

Thursday (2/5) morning at the IDB Building of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UNY, the usual crowd was absent. Instead, the space was dedicated to four prospective blind students participating in the UTBK-SNBT, a special entrance exam for students with disabilities, hosted by UNY. Despite facing challenges, Wahyu Ishlakhuddin Ar Mansyah was determined to pursue higher education through the UTBK pathway. A graduate of MAN 2 Sleman, Wahyu set his sights on the S1 Special Education program at the Faculty of Education and Psychology (FIPP) UNY. Born in Lamongan on March 10, 2005, Wahyu has a vision impairment, but he remains committed to his educational goals. He made extensive preparations for the UTBK, including joining online tutoring sessions.

Another UTBK participant, Oktaviola Maya Tantri Ramadani, also shared her journey. She prepared diligently by studying hard, taking online tutoring, and participating in tryouts. Oktaviola, born on May 7, 2006, attends SMA 1 Sewon, an inclusive school equipped with supporting facilities. Like Wahyu, she chose the Special Education program at FIPP UNY as her study destination.

Dr. Bambang Saptono, Chair of UNY Admissions, highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting UTBK participants with special needs. "This year, we have 4 blind participants and 20 physically disabled participants," he explained. To accommodate these students, UNY has made special arrangements: providing strategic seating for easy access, wheelchairs, and dedicated companions. For visually impaired participants, the test was scheduled on Thursday, May 2, in a separate room with assistance from experienced lecturers of the Special Education program.

Dr. Maimun Sholeh, Location Manager (PJL) of the IDB FEB UNY Laboratory Room, detailed the provisions for the test. "The computers used for UTBK by students with special needs have specialized specifications, including adaptive software and audio support," he noted. "For blind participants, we provide a personal companion for each student, selected from the FIPP UNY Special Education program." These lecturers are skilled in communicating with and supporting individuals with disabilities, ensuring a smooth test process to achieve the best possible outcomes.

UNY’s commitment to inclusive education aligns with Regulation No. 46 of 2017 issued by the Minister of Research, Technology, and Higher Education, which guarantees the right of people with disabilities to access higher education. Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadiem Anwar Makarim also emphasized that students with disabilities are prioritized for the Smart Indonesia College Card (KIPK). UNY’s approach includes providing necessary support from the admission stage, such as offering companions during entrance exams, to offering learning aids like Braille textbooks, accessible libraries, and facilities designed for easy mobility, including elevators and wheelchair-accessible pathways in multi-storey buildings. (dedy/fdhl)