UNM Alumni Becomes ASN at KPU, Proof that Graduates of Digital Business Campus Can Compete Nationally

An impressive achievement has been recorded by an alumnus of Universitas Nusa Mandiri (UNM), the Digital Business Campus. Coniel Stavia Widson, S.Kom, a 2016 graduate of the Bachelor’s programme in Information Systems, is now serving as a civil servant (ASN) at the Sumba Barat Regional Election Commission (KPUD) after successfully passing the 2024 CPNS selection. Coniel’s success in penetrating this national selection serves as proof that UNM graduates can compete with participants from various universities across Indonesia. He revealed that the journey to ASN status was not achieved instantly. “I have tried several times to participate in the selection. Only in 2024 did I get the opportunity. This proves that UNM graduates can compete competitively and demonstrate quality that is no less,” said Coniel. As an Information Systems alumnus, Coniel felt significant benefits from the technology competencies acquired during his studies. Amid the acceleration of digital transformation in the government sector, the ability to adapt to systems and technology becomes a very important added value. “Competencies in digital and information technology fields are very beneficial. I am already accustomed to using and adapting to technology, so in work related to digitalisation and advancements in science and technology, I can adjust quickly,” said Coniel. Not only hard skills, but communication and presentation abilities honed during university also serve as important provisions in carrying out duties as an ASN, particularly in preparing reports, conveying ideas, and coordinating in team work. Assignment to Sumba Barat also presents its own challenges, especially in terms of environmental and work culture adaptation. However, for Coniel, this experience becomes part of the service process. “The biggest challenge is adaptation, especially being placed outside Java Island. But I view it as a valuable experience. We come to understand that Indonesia is vast and diverse,” he said. According to him, pre-graduation internship experience became one of the important factors in building readiness to face the working world. Through that programme, students can directly experience professional dynamics that are not fully obtained in the classroom. He also assessed UNM’s Internship Experience Programme (IEP) 3+1 as a strategic step in preparing students to be more ready for the working world, especially in balancing mastery of hard skills and soft skills. Head of Nusa Mandiri Career Center (NCC), Muhammad Faisal, assessed this alumnus’s success as proof that the learning system at Universitas Nusa Mandiri is capable of preparing competent graduates ready to compete. “The alumnus’s success in penetrating the CPNS selection is proof that the competencies built during university, both in technology, communication, and work readiness, are truly relevant to the needs of the working world. We at NCC continue to strive to assist students and alumni to have high competitiveness at the national level,” he stated in a release received on Friday (27/3/2026). As a 2016 graduate, Coniel also holds positive impressions of the learning system at Universitas Nusa Mandiri. “Studying at Nusa Mandiri was quite enjoyable. The material is relevant to the working world, the lecturers are communicative, and the study system is flexible for me who was working at the time. Suitable for students who want to be quickly work-ready,” he said. Concluding the discussion, Coniel conveyed a message to students aspiring to become ASNs not to hesitate to compete. “Keep learning and practise more, like participating in try-outs. Don’t be afraid to compete with graduates from big or renowned campuses. Believe in your abilities and continuously improve your competencies.” Coniel Stavia Widson’s story serves as a reflection that consistency, perseverance, and mastery of digital competencies can open the way to service in the public sector. Graduates of Universitas Nusa Mandiri as the Digital Business Campus have once again proven their contribution in providing human resources ready to play a role for the nation and state.