UNAIR NEWS – Aulia Thaariq Akbar, widely known as Atha, is an alumnus of the Political Science undergraduate program at Universitas Airlangga and former president of the Universitas Airlangga Student Executive Board for the 2024–2025 term. Having frequently taken leadership roles in student organizations, Atha continues to seek new experiences, challenges, and opportunities beyond his time on campus.
Although he received several offers related to politics and government, Atha chose a different direction. He decided to pursue an initiative that supports local economic activity while creating services designed to meet the needs of urban residents in Surabaya.
Launching KostCare Surabaya
KostCare Surabaya is a service-based business that provides storage services, moving assistance for boarding houses, apartments, and homes, as well as cleaning services for student rooms. Atha developed the idea based on his personal experience as a student, especially during his involvement in student organizations when he often spends long hours outside and returns to his boarding room mainly to rest. At that time, he found it difficult to access convenient and reliable room-cleaning services in Surabaya.
Atha explained that entering the service sector means competing with large companies that operate across multiple regions. However, he identifies a business opportunity by targeting a specific market segment while offering several related services within one service offering.
“As the saying goes, one effort can achieve multiple outcomes. Our main customers are students. Because of that, I develop this service by applying leadership and human resource management skills that I learn during my studies at UNAIR,” Atha said.
The company’s tagline clearly reflects its mission: “KostCare, Practical solution for Surabaya boarding house students” and “KostCare, Care beyond expectations,” emphasizing that customer satisfaction remains the company’s main priority.
Creating opportunities for others
Atha also opens employment opportunities for individuals who demonstrate strong commitment and work ethic. Positions include administrators, moving staff, and cleaning staff. In addition, he encourages team members to collaborate in creating interactive social media content.
“In addition to increasing engagement rates, these activities also help the team improve their skills in content production, writing and planning content, and video editing,” Atha said.
Within five months of operation, KostCare Surabaya gained 2,625 followers on Instagram and 1,873 followers on TikTok. These social media platforms play an important role in increasing demand for the company’s services, which focus on helping students manage everyday tasks more efficiently.
Atha hopes the business can help reduce the challenges faced by students while also providing opportunities for people who want to grow and learn. “Hopefully students no longer have to struggle with moving belongings or cleaning their rooms while focusing on their academic responsibilities. Just order KostCare Surabaya,” Atha said.
Author: Siti Faiza Firdausya Kirana Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
