Finding Her Voice in the City of Surakarta

It was an ordinary family dinner, a routine in the life of Ratsimandresy Neciah Fahombiazana when an unexpected email arrived. At first, Neciah couldn’t believe it. The subject line hinted at something big, but it felt unreal. Still in disbelief, she forwarded the message to her brother, then urged the rest of the family to read it.

Their reactions confirmed it: “Yes, you got accepted!”

Shock turned to joy as the news sank in. Over dinner, in the warmth of a family that always eats together, Neciah’s future had just taken an unexpected and thrilling turn.

Raised in a strict household in Antananarivo, her childhood was defined by structure, discipline, and the comforting embrace of familiarity. She was never drawn to the unknown corners of her hometown, never explored beyond what was necessary. The world outside felt distant, until her brother became the first in their family to study abroad.

“My brother is my inspiration, he is the one who opened the door to me.” said the six-semester student.

She had watched his preparations with fascination, never imagining she would one day follow in his footsteps. A video call with him changed everything. “He showed me the city and it looked very similar to ours, and it was so welcoming,” she recalled. “That’s when I started thinking, maybe I could go too.” 

When he sent her a scholarship application link for Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), she applied, but she never truly believed she would be accepted. Until that dinner. Until that email.

Arriving in Solo, she was surprised by how familiar it felt. “The buildings, the way people live. It was like Madagascar, just without my family,” she said. 

Ironically, her father, a lecturer, once had the opportunity to study in Indonesia but turned it down when he learned his mother would have to sell part of their land to fund his studies. Now, years later, all three of his children had the chance to study in the very country he never reached.

“We find it hilarious that all three of us (Neciah and her siblings), now get the opportunity to study in Indonesia. My younger sister is currently applying to UMS.” said Neciah, the second of three siblings.

Settling into life at UMS was easier than Neciah had expected. Even before she arrived, the international office had answered her endless questions, easing some of her worries. When she stepped off the train in Solo, she was greeted by the international office staff. Her biggest relief came when she realized her roommate was also her classmate. “That made everything so much easier,” she said.

Neciah is pursuing a Bachelor of Management at UMS. Before she joined UMS, she already had 2 semesters in Economic Science under her belt at Ankatso University. However, studying at UMS was a new experience for Neciah. 

Back home, she had been part of a large public university where lecture halls filled with hundreds of students. It was a different learning environment. 

At UMS, the smaller class sizes allowed for more direct interaction with lecturers, something she hadn’t been used to. She also appreciated the mix of theory and hands-on learning, with company visits and practical activities bringing concepts to life in a way that felt more engaging.

“Since English is not my first language and this was my first time in an English-speaking learning environment, I initially planned to record every class and go over the recordings once I reach home to make sure I understood everything. But I didn't have to do that though, because everything was presented so simply and clearly in class.” said Neciah.

Neciah, a self-described shy person, appreciated the intimate classroom setting. “If I had to ask a question in front of thousands of students, I’d rather do my own research,” she laughed. At UMS, she didn’t have to struggle with that. The smaller class size allowed for more discussions and more personalized feedback.

Among her courses, International Marketing Management stood out as her favorite, not only because of the subject itself but also because of her lecturer, Soepatini , S.E., M.Si., Ph.D. “She has been incredibly helpful since my first day here. Her English is excellent, and she is very invested in her class,” Neciah shared. 

Previously, she had also enjoyed studying Operational Management, particularly because of its emphasis on problem-solving. Having been part of the scientific track in high school, she loved the challenge of calculations. “Solving a problem you never thought you could solve makes you feel so proud,” she said.

Though her main focus is Human Resources, marketing fascinates her. “It’s like learning about your daily life, observing how people behave and applying logic to it,” she explained. 

If you had told Neciah a year ago that she would stand on stage, performing in front of an audience, she wouldn’t have believed you. Singing had always been something she loved, but only in private. In high school, she had briefly joined a choir, but she never took it seriously. She was too shy, too unsure of herself. But when she heard about Voca Al-Kindi, UMS’ choir, something inside her sparked.

Neciah (first from the left, front row) with her peers during the Upacara Pengukuhan Guru Besar at Edutorium UMS, Monday (23/12/2024). Instagram: Voca Al Kindi

She first heard about the university choir during her first year at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS). It sounded like a dream, but by the time she worked up the courage to apply, the registration had already closed. She had to wait an entire year before she could try again. When the time finally came, she hesitated.

“I kept thinking, maybe I shouldn’t do this. Maybe I won’t even make it,” admitted the 22-year old student. But in the end, she pushed herself to try.

The audition wasn’t just about singing. There were different tests, checking vocal range, recognizing intervals, and other technical aspects. It felt intense, but the members were welcoming and supportive. And then, she got the news: she had made it in.

What surprised her the most was how quickly she felt at home. As the only international student, and the only Christian, she wasn’t sure how people would react to her. But from day one, they welcomed her with open arms.

Neciah (middle) during the Pre-competition Concert of Voca Al Kindi, Sunday (3/12/2024).

Voca Al-Kindi practiced three times a week, and during Ramadan, rehearsals started at 8 PM and went on until late. It was challenging, but she loved being part of it. More than just improving her singing, the choir helped her gain confidence and build connections.

“For me, joining the choir wasn’t just about singing,” she said. “It was about learning, growing, and proving to myself that I could do things I never thought I could.” 

Looking back, Neciah knows she made the right choice. Through the classroom, she gained knowledge. Through the choir, she found her voice. And through it all, she learned that the best things in life happen when you take a chance on yourself.

Writer: Farizal Luqman Majid

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva

Designer: Salsabila Kamila Wardah