Oka's Path to a Brilliant Career

Declared the best graduate with a GPA of 3.86 in a study period of 3.4 years, Gradia Olfactra Ilokana, fondly known as Oka, cherishes achievement as a flattering memory. Oka, an alumnus of Civil Engineering International Class UMS 2018, refutes the perception that he was an overly studious student despite earning the title of the best graduate during her time.

Following his graduation from UMS, Oka ventured into his first professional opportunity at PT Wijaya Karya (WIKA), a state-owned company specializing in construction and building. Luck favored him, as precisely a month after graduation, Oka secured a position as an engineering staff in the Foreign Division.

“The first job I got is aligned well with the knowledge and study program I had during my undergraduate studies,” explained the Klaten-born man.

Given his strategic position, Oka seized the opportunity to engage in overseas projects spanning Mauritania, Nigeria, Myanmar, Taiwan, Malaysia, Timor Leste, and more. Despite not being directly involved in the field, Oka's contributions to infrastructure development and international cooperation left a positive impact on his personal career and the projects he undertook. However, Oka's aspiration to pursue further studies did not waiver as he approached the three-quarter-year mark in PT. WIKA.

“My father is a specialist in digestive surgery, and my mother is a civil servant. They have been incredibly supportive, guiding, and facilitating all my needs and education. In January 2019, I was accepted into the Civil Engineering Study Program at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, ITB. This required me to resign from PT WIKA in the ninth month,” he continued.

As of now, Oka is immersed in his second career at the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), serving as an Internal Auditor within the Government Internal Supervisory Apparatus (APIP). His daily routine revolves around quality assurance tasks, encompassing audits, reviews, evaluations, monitoring, and supervision (providing assistance, training, and facilitation).

The journey began for Oka when he decided to register for the Civil Servant Candidate (CPNS) exam in 2021. After successfully passing the CPNS, he underwent a one-year pre-service period. “Following that, I served as a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Analyst, essentially a transitional position until I completed my training. Once all the prerequisites for appointment as a civil servant were fulfilled, I was officially appointed as an Internal Auditor.”

When asked about his college experience, Oka reflects on numerous moments. He acknowledges that he navigated his college years like any typical young person, focusing on studying and actively seeking organizational experiences.

“In addition to attending lectures, I became a part of the UMS CUBE (Civil Engineering Unity for Building Innovation and Creativity) community with the goal of refining my skills, establishing connections, and expanding my knowledge.”

Being a part of CUBE fueled the determination of the bespectacled man to put his skills to the test by participating in various national competitions. During that period, Oka and two of his colleagues from the same study program won the Inovasi Beton Mutu Tinggi competition.

“The innovation aimed to minimize the use of cement, incorporating waste as a substitute. Our initial preparation for the competition had a broader scope, targeting a major event: PIMNAS. We presented it with the title ‘Optimization of Superplasticizer Master Glenium SKY 8614 with Fly Ash, Steel Slag, and Silica Fume Additives for High-Quality Concrete.’ Fortunately, luck was on our side once again, as the three of us not only passed PIMNAS but also had the opportunity to gain valuable insights at a well-known company.”

After exactly three years and four months of studying at UMS, Oka became acquainted with numerous lecturers. This familiarity resulted from his dedication as a teaching assistant in courses such as Programming Language, Fluid Mechanics, and Construction Management. As our conversation delved into the past, Oka found himself mentally retracing his steps, recalling several lecturers who played crucial roles in his academic journey. Among them are Muhammad Ujianto, S.T., M.T., Anto Budi Listyawan, S.T., M.Sc., dan Budi Setiawan, S.T., M.T.

“Every Civil Engineering lecturer left a lasting impression on me. Coincidentally, the subjects taught in those lecture halls are highly relevant to my role as an auditor. My audit focus is on infrastructure buildings under the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) across Indonesia, encompassing planning and physical development managed by the likes of SDA, Bina Marga, Cipta Karya, and others. However, the lecturer I mentioned earlier holds a special place in my heart as my favorite. Even to this day, I still vividly recall their full name.”

Despite not being a bookworm during his college days, Oka is someone who consistently sets and pursues achievements in his life. He diligently nurtures his dreams with a combination of effort, prayer, and sincerity. Whenever he successfully reaches a goal within the set timeframe, expressions of gratitude effortlessly flow from his lips.

“As I approach the age of 28, I've come to the realization that my current circumstances are not a final destination that should halt my aspirations. I aspire for career advancements, expanding my knowledge, contributing to the nation, and putting the acquired knowledge into practice. After all, I firmly believe that the finest individuals are those who bring benefits to others,” he concluded.

Writer: Genis Dwi Gustati

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid