UNAIR Graduate with Cerebral Palsy Earns Master’s Degree in Public Policy

Nely Suwidyanti, or Nely as she is commonly known, is a student with cerebral palsy. Despite her disability, this has not hindered her determination to pursue the highest level of education possible and successfully complete her studies until graduation. As an alumna of the Bachelor of Statistics program at the Faculty of Science and Technology and an alumna of the Master of Public Policy program at Airlangga University, she has successfully completed her master's degree at Airlangga University (February 2022–August 2023). As we all know, UNAIR is one of the best universities in Indonesia, offering extensive opportunities for anyone wishing to pursue education at UNAIR, including individuals with disabilities. Nely also experienced this, especially during her Master's program, where she did not encounter significant difficulties in her studies and even thoroughly enjoyed the process.

Personal and Family Profile

Nely is the second of two children. Nely has had cerebral palsy since birth. Nely was born to a father who served in the Indonesian Navy and a mother who worked as a teacher. Nely was born prematurely at 5 months and 10 days. Nely was born on March 22, 1996, and was raised with great struggle, love, optimism, discipline, resilience, and self-confidence. Being born with cerebral palsy did not deter Nely from pursuing her education and developing her talents. Nely earned her M.KP. degree after completing her education in the Master of Public Policy Study Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Airlangga University (2022-2023). Prior to that, Nely completed her Bachelor's degree in Statistics at Airlangga University (2015-2021), attended SMAN 10 Surabaya (2012-2015), SMP HANGTUAH 2 Surabaya (2009-2012), and SDN Kedurus IV/431 Surabaya (2004-2009).

Nely remembers when she was around 4 years old, she often watched the VCD movie “Pertualangan Sherina” (Sherina's Adventure), which showed the lives of elementary school children who were going to school and had many friends to play and study with. It was from the movie “Pertualangan Sherina” that Nely's desire to go to school arose. Little Nely innocently told her mother and father, “Mom and Dad, Nely wants to go to school, but Nely can't walk yet. Is that okay?” As Nely's parents, they responded enthusiastically, “Of course it's okay.” Then Nely, who was still a child at the time, innocently replied, “But Nely wants Mom to take her to school and wait for her. No one else.” With enthusiasm, her mother answered, “Yes, Mom will wait for you at school.” As parents, Nely's father and mother immediately consulted the pediatrician at YPAC Surabaya, where Nely was also undergoing therapy, The idea was for young Nely to attend school at YPAC as well, but based on the analysis conducted by the therapists and doctors treating Nely at YPAC, Nely’s parents were advised to try enrolling Nely in a regular school instead. According to the therapists and doctors treating Nely at YPAC, Nely was intellectually capable of attending a regular school.

Finally, Nely's parents found a public school that was willing to accept children with special needs. Over time, Nely became more independent compared to when she first started school (kindergarten). She was able to adapt to the environment at public school. of course, this was all thanks to the role of her parents, who were very supportive of their child's progress. Nely's parents did various things to support Nely's academic activities at school, such as enrolling Nely in tutoring at Ganesha Operation and inviting teachers to give private lessons at home. Nely's parents never tire of taking her to school and accompanying her to tutoring sessions outside of school every day. Even though both of Nely's parents work, they still make time to take her to school and accompany her to tutoring sessions outside of school. Seeing her parents' enthusiasm in supporting her learning process has ignited Nely's passion for pursuing knowledge and continuing to chase her dreams.

Graduated from a 1.5-year Master's program with a GPA above 3.5

Nely completed her master's degree in just 1.5 years and graduated after completing her thesis entitled "ADVOCACY FOR DISASTER MITIGATION POLICIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN THE SPECIAL REGION OF YOGYAKARTA (A Case Study of Difagana's Role in Advocating Disaster Mitigation Policies for Persons with Disabilities in the Special Region of Yogyakarta." Nely underwent a seminar on July 15, 2023, followed by a thesis defense on July 18, 2023. She then participated in the graduation ceremony on August 1, 2023, and received her degree on October 14, 2023. Nely graduated with a Master of Public Policy (M.KP.) degree with a GPA of 3.66.

Nely herself did not expect and was very touched to be able to complete her master's degree in only 1.5 years, considering that in addition to pursuing her master's degree at Airlangga University, Nely was also completing her bachelor's degree at the Open University in the Public Administration Study Program. Of course, all of this would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of Nely's parents, professors, and friends throughout her academic journey.

Hopes and Dreams

After completing her Master's degree program, Nely continued her education in a doctoral program in Social Sciences. Nely really hopes to complete her doctoral studies as soon as possible so she can immediately apply the knowledge she has gained in the workplace. Nely also hopes that there will be more job opportunities for people with disabilities, especially in the government sector, so that many people with disabilities can become civil servants. Not to forget, Nely also hopes that the community will grow in awareness that people with disabilities also have the right to equal opportunities to work and build their careers according to their respective skills.

Nely's hope for Airlangga University in the future is that it will become an even more inclusive campus. If possible, inclusivity should not be limited to certain faculties, but should be applied to all faculties at Airlangga University, so that the comfort and facilities during study at Airlangga University can be enjoyed equally by all students with disabilities who are undergoing the study process.

Editor : Rozy