Muhammadiyah University of Purworejo (UMPWR) - An inspiring story comes from Sugeng Yuniarto, a graduate of the Javanese Language and Literature Education Study Program (PBSJ) at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP). Sugeng is one of three graduates with disabilities who were conferred degrees at the Bachelor's and Master's Degree Conferment Ceremony for the First Period of the 2025/2026 Academic Year. Despite being visually impaired, Sugeng successfully completed his undergraduate studies with honors (GPA 3.57) and earned his bachelor's degree through a non-thesis track with a song titled “Desaku Tlogobulu,” complete with a music video and inspiring lyrics.
This work became part of an alternative thesis supervised directly by Dr. Aris Aryanto, M.Hum. and Dr. Yuli Widiono, M.Pd. through a creativity-based literary academic program. The song “Desaku Tlogobulu” is an expression of Sugeng's love for his homeland and a form of artistic expression that reflects the social sensitivity, enthusiasm, and gratitude of a person with disabilities towards life.
Sugeng is a recipient of the Higher Education Affirmative Action Scholarship (ADik) for Persons with Disabilities, a government scholarship program awarded to high-achieving students with disabilities. He completed his education in 4 years and 1 month and was officially graduated by the Rector of UMPWR on October 24, 2025.
In his reflection, Sugeng recounted his meaningful academic journey. “When I first enrolled at Muhammadiyah University Purworejo with a white cane in my hand, I had doubts about whether I would be able to keep up with the academic process. However, after interacting with lecturers, staff, and fellow PBSJ students, I was warmly welcomed and given lots of support. That made me confident that I could complete my studies on time,” he said.
Sugeng also expressed his gratitude for the campus's friendly and inclusive support for people with disabilities. “In my class, I am not the only student with a disability. There are also friends with physical disabilities who are well accepted. This proves that UMPWR is an inclusive campus that provides space for everyone to develop,” he added.
In his message, Sugeng conveyed the motto that has always guided him in his struggles: “Being a person with sensory disabilities is not a personal choice, but a choice of the Divine. Be grateful with a sincere heart, and do not complain if your body and soul are still strong. Life is life — life is always useful for others,” he said.
Sugeng Yuniarto's story is clear proof that limitations are not a barrier to achievement. He has shown that with determination, hard work, and gratitude, everyone can achieve their dreams and benefit others.
