Djoko's Story of Studying at 68: From Feeling Tech-Challenged to Graduating with a 3.98 CGPA

A lifelong commitment to learning was demonstrated by Djoko Slamet Pudjorahardjo. At the age of 68, the researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) completed his Master of Engineering Physics at Universitas Gadjah Mada with an impressive academic record. Djoko completed his studies through the Master by Research (MBR) programme in 1 year, 11 months and 29 days, attaining a CGPA of 3.98. He was conferred at UGM’s postgraduate ceremony on 22-23 April 2026 at Grha Sabha Pramana.

His thesis was titled ‘Design Analysis of a Multicusp Ion Source for a 30 MeV Cyclotron.’ Djoko said that his decision to pursue further study was driven by a desire to enhance his own competencies, together with support from the institution where he works. ‘I am motivated to pursue a master’s degree at UGM because I live and work in Yogyakarta, and there is an opportunity to enhance human resources competencies at my workplace through the Degree by Research programme,’ he said, in remarks reported on UGM’s official website on 20 May 2026.

Djoko, who belongs to the Linear Accelerator Technology Research Group at BRIN, regards the UGM Master of Physics Engineering programme as relevant to his field of work, which focuses on accelerator technology or particle accelerators. ‘Because my field relates to physics engineering, I chose to continue my studies with a Master’s in Physics Engineering,’ he said.

During his studies, Djoko admitted facing challenges in keeping pace with the information technology developments used in the campus environment. He said the digital learning system and the use of academic applications posed a particular challenge at his age. ‘The challenge during studies at UGM was that students had to be familiar with the information technology used at UGM, so I sometimes feel tech-illiterate compared with other students who are on average younger than me,’ he said.

He noted that some courses even required students to use programming languages to complete assignments. Nevertheless, Djoko continued to adapt and was grateful for support from other students. ‘Some courses even required students to use programming languages to complete assignments. Nevertheless, Djoko persevered and was grateful for support from his fellow students,’

For Djoko, earning a master’s degree at an age close to retirement is evidence that age is no barrier to lifelong learning and self-improvement. ‘At my age, not being young and nearing retirement, I was driven to complete my studies within the allocated time and prove that I can still enhance my competencies through further study,’ he said.

The graduation is also a special gift ahead of his retirement as a BRIN researcher. ‘This graduation is a major gift as I approach retirement. It also stands as evidence that I have done my best to make the most of the opportunity provided by the institution to study again,’ he said.

Djoko also urged younger generations to keep the spirit of learning and to believe in their own abilities. ‘Study must be undertaken with enthusiasm, diligence, and confidence that we can complete our studies on time,’ he said. He added that the pursuit of knowledge is not limited by age as long as one has the will to learn. ‘Learning is not limited by age, as long as we are able to undertake it,’ he concluded.