Bandung, UPI
When Tintin Sri Suprihatin steps into the dormitory of the People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Atas 11, Bandung), she sees not just students from Indonesia’s poorest families, but futures waiting to be reshaped. As Principal, assigned by the Bandung City Government and the Ministry of Social Affairs, Tintin views her role as more than leadership—it’s a profound commitment to social justice through education. Her journey from UPI’s English Education program (Undergraduate from 1999 to 2004, and Master’s from 2021 to 2024) to leading this residential school for decile 1 and 2 students (those from extreme poverty) embodies the humanising pedagogy she first embraced at her alma mater.
The unique challenge at Sekolah Rakyat is both its hallmark and its heart: students share strikingly similar backgrounds, starting from near-identical limitations in experience, access, and self-belief. Tintin’s greatest task is not merely to teach content but to rebuild their worldview and ignite hope for tomorrow. Yet from this uniformity emerges unexpected strength, no social gaps divide them, fostering deep solidarity, empathy, and collective confidence. Fully supported by the state with adequate facilities, the focus shifts entirely to meaningful learning experiences.
The school’s boarding system amplifies this impact, immersing students 24/7 in an environment where education permeates daily life. One indelible memory is the first day in the dorms: many children, separated from parents for the first time, clung to friends or marveled at their own proper beds with pure gratitude. Over time, they learned independence. Starting from sharing beds to claiming their space as a mark of a profound growth. Discipline is cultivated through awareness, not force; as students internalize rules and remind each other, true change takes root. For Tintin, success transcends academics, it’s the transformation of attitudes, character building, and newfound hope in every child.
UPI profoundly shaped this vision. As an English Education alumna, Tintin received not just academic knowledge, but a transformative outlook on educators’ roles. Campus life taught collaboration, communication, leadership, and social dynamics through organisations; pedagogy emphasised humanity, viewing each learner as unique. These values directly inform her work: prioritising character over scores, embodying education as life’s changer—inclusive, humane, reaching the neediest. UPI was her place of growth, forming her into an educator who serves, not just teaches.
Campus memories remain vivid. Known as Tina or “Ndhiel”, she cherished English classes that opened minds to language as a bridge to the world. The Pentagon building buzzed with discussions and inspiration; involvement in student associations built responsibility, Taekwondo honed discipline, and Eclipse Adventure Team (EAT) of Hima Bahasa Inggris (English Students’ Association) created bonds through “more eat than adventure.” Even finding her life partner amid it all added personal depth.
To today’s students, Tintin urges: savour every process. Campus is for self-discovery, trying new things, building life’s direction, join students’ organisations for invaluable lessons beyond books. Balance learning with character, relationships, integrity; maximise time to emerge not just job-ready, but impactful. For UPI, she hopes it shines brighter, producing impactful graduates—academically sharp, character-strong, integrity-driven, contributing tangibly to society. Maximise facilities for holistic growth in intellect, skills, and personality Tintin Sri Suprihatin’s path from UPI’s halls to empowering the underserved, mirrors her university’s ethos: education as equity’s engine, turning shared hardship into shared triumph, one transformed life at a time. (VS)