UNAIR NEWS – Unwavering determination and hard work have led Reza Maulana Hikam, an alumnus of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), to pursue graduate studies in the United States. Hikam earned the Graduate Degree Fellowship from the East-West Center, a federal research institution based in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Born in Gresik and raised in Surabaya, Hikam completed his undergraduate studies in the Public Administration Program (formerly State Administration) at FISIP UNAIR in 2019. His desire to understand the deeper roots of social issues and ideological conflicts drove him to continue his studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UH Mānoa), where he is pursuing a master’s degree in History.
“In public administration, I learned how to analyze problems. But I wanted to go further and uncover the underlying causes of social issues, including terrorism and ideology,” he said.
At UH Mānoa, Hikam is mentored by Southeast Asian historian Leonard Andaya. “Leonard’s research focus aligns with mine, especially regarding Sulawesi. I feel fortunate to be able to study under his guidance,” he added.
Securing scholarship
Hikam explained that the East-West Center (EWC) scholarship is open to students from East and Southeast Asia. “I once spoke with Prof. Abdullah Dahana, an alumnus of UH Mānoa. He encouraged me to contact Prof. Andaya, and that conversation set everything in motion,” he recalled.
During his studies in the United States, Hikam actively joined academic events and cross-cultural discussions. Engaging with students from various countries has been a meaningful experience for him. “I learned a great deal about different perspectives and cultures. It made me more open and sensitive to diversity,” he said.
Hikam also shared advice for students seeking scholarships abroad, including preparing necessary documents early and identifying potential academic advisors. “Having a supervisor before applying can strengthen your application. It shows your commitment, and they will eventually guide you throughout your studies,” he explained.
He noted that some universities and scholarship programs require English-translated and legalized diplomas. “Fortunately, when I graduated, FISIP UNAIR provided translation services, although legalization must be done separately. You also need a valid passport, at least six months before expiration, and English proficiency test scores such as TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or sometimes GRE,” he said.
Different academic systems and campus culture
Hikam also highlighted the welcoming academic environment at UH Mānoa. “At the beginning and end of each semester, the department hosts a shared lunch. The end-of-semester gathering is also when awards are presented to outstanding students,” he shared.
Hikam currently works as a researcher specializing in history and ideology at the Nusantara Center for Social Research in Surabaya and serves as an ad hoc Editorial Expert at Komnas Perempuan. He said the discipline and precision he gained during his studies in Honolulu have been invaluable in his professional work.
“Prof. Andaya was very rigorous in his supervision. He trained me to analyze data thoroughly and write concisely. Those skills are extremely useful in both research and editorial work,” he noted.
Hikam encourages UNAIR students who aspire to study abroad to prepare themselves diligently. “Studying abroad is about learning, not leisure. Focus on the curriculum, research centers, and faculty expertise. And make sure all your administrative documents are complete,” he advised.
Author: Khefti Al Mawalia
