Jogja Bajaj Driver Basuni Confused When Son Andro Accepted at ITB, Worried About Costs

The son of a bajaj driver in Yogyakarta, Andromeda Sufi Anggoro, has realised his dream of studying at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). His father, Basuni Yusuf, admitted he was bewildered upon receiving the news, particularly regarding the cost.

Worried about expensive fees

Basuni, a resident of Tegalrejo, Yogyakarta, said his son had long wanted to study at ITB. However, he initially did not allow it.

“I didn’t give permission (to study at ITB) because it’s far away and I don’t have the money — it’s expensive in Bandung,” said Basuni when met at his home on Friday (24/7/2026).

A year of study at UPN

As a result, after finishing senior high school in 2025, Andro enrolled at UPN Yogyakarta. According to Basuni, Andro only studied at UPN to obey his parents.

“He studied at UPN for a year and received the KIP (Smart Indonesia Card). His major was in the Faculty of Informatics Engineering. It wasn’t his choice — when he was in Jogja, he simply followed his parents’ wishes, to put them at ease,” he said.

Secretly applying to ITB

A year at UPN did not make Andro bury his dream. The eldest of seven siblings secretly applied to ITB this year. Andro was accepted into the programme he had dreamed of: astronomy.

“Suddenly he said, ‘Dad, I’ve been accepted at ITB, I want to go to Bandung.’ When I heard that I was confused — what would we use for the fees? I don’t hold any money. In the end I answered, ‘Alright, Ndro, you may go to Bandung as long as there’s a scholarship,’” said Basuni.

Basuni, who once worked grating coconuts at Karangwaru Market, was hesitant. He wanted to facilitate his son’s dream, but the family’s economic situation stood in the way.

Basuni was unsure his income as a driver of a rented bajaj, costing Rp 80,000 per day, would help much. At that moment, Andro’s mother became his source of strength.

Basuni’s wife, Suci Wahyuningsih (45), asked him to surrender everything to the Creator. Basuni then gave Andro his blessing, provided he could obtain a scholarship.

Travelling by bajaj

Basuni took the bold step of escorting Andro to Bandung by bajaj. He also shared his travel plans with an ITB parents’ WhatsApp group.

Basuni, Suci, Andro and one of his younger siblings set off for Bandung on Friday (17 July) at 5pm. They travelled by bajaj after Basuni obtained permission from the vehicle’s owner.

Little did he know that this move would pave the way for Andro to receive a scholarship.

“I had planned to take him by bajaj and shared it with the ITB Parents’ Association group. Whilst looking for scholarships, ITB actually invited us to come — we were invited and offered a scholarship,” he explained.

Rp 400,000 spent on fuel

The long journey by bajaj cost Rp 400,000 in fuel.

“The journey took 24 hours, but we stayed overnight first. We reached Gombong at 11.30pm and stayed at a lodge, then departed again in the morning. I rested twice, and we arrived in Bandung at 8.23pm,” Basuni recounted.

“Fuel cost around Rp 400,000 for the round trip, because we drove at a relaxed pace. Alhamdulillah — we were so happy, so spirited, that we didn’t feel it. We took it easy, stopping at prayer times to pray first, then having a rest. So it took a while longer,” he added.

Receiving a scholarship

It turned out that ITB organised a special ceremony to welcome Andro and his family. There, Andro was ceremonially given various forms of assistance to support his studies.

“They put on an event — I came to ITB not knowing anything about it. I was overjoyed; I prostrated in gratitude. We were welcomed by the Dean, welcomed by the Rector at his official residence,” Basuni explained.

“We were given Rp 5 million in cash for travel expenses. My son was given a laptop. Then a scholarship for living costs of Rp 6 million per semester. As for tuition, the UKT (single tuition fee) came to Rp 1 million — God willing, we can manage that,” he continued.

To lighten the financial burden, Andro will stay at a student Islamic boarding house (ponpes) during his studies in Bandung. All that remains is for Andro to live out the dream that has come true.

“He’ll stay at a student boarding house there. He’s already registered online from here. Yes, because rented rooms are expensive there. The cheapest rented room there is Rp 1 million, whilst the boarding house costs Rp 3.5 million a year,” Basuni concluded.