For many, the essence of home lies in the embrace of routine and the reassuring predictability of familiar food, company, and surroundings. Predictability brings comfort and control, while change introduces uncertainty and requires adaptation, which can be stressful.
Yet, despite millennia of progress, humans still yearn for predictability. Furthermore, innovation and breakthroughs are born from embracing the unknown. This is what drives Khalid Wamala to seek education abroad. “I want to spread my wings,” he said.
Born in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, young Khalid was no stranger to change. When he was ten, his family moved to Wakiso district, a suburb surrounding Kampala, because his father believed it was a better place to raise children. “There is a lot of entertainment in the city. We wouldn’t focus on school. I actually skipped school once to go to a carnival with friends,” Khalid recalls.
The fifth of seven siblings, Khalid remembers the difficulty of moving at that age. “I had a lot of friends in Kampala. We used to play a lot of games in my neighborhood.”
Despite the initial hardships, Wakiso eventually became home for Khalid, where he spent most of his childhood forming cherished memories. “People of Wakiso like sports. We used to play football or volleyball. That’s what makes my hometown special,” he recalled.
During high school, Khalid faced a common dilemma among many students. In Uganda’s education system, students choose three subjects to focus on. Back then, Khalid followed his father’s wishes to become a doctor, so he chose physics, biology, and chemistry. But during the first trimester, he changed his mind and followed his childhood dream. “I like putting something in place,” he said. He was fascinated with buildings—how they were constructed and how they could withstand disaster and stand the test of time.
“I was good at the subjects, but because I wanted to be an engineer, I changed my focus to physics, mathematics, and chemistry.”
Academic and Professional Growth
With his high school years behind him, Khalid enrolled in a university for a diploma in underwater engineering, a fitting choice given Uganda’s location in the African Great Lakes region. This area, dotted with four great lakes, often requires significant infrastructure development, including water management systems, hydropower plants, and bridges.
Initially, Khalid planned to work in the engineering sector or open an engineering firm after finishing his diploma. However, in Wakiso, Khalid met a close friend whose stories of studying in Indonesia opened his eyes to new possibilities. “He told me how he enjoyed going abroad and helped me make my choice.” Khalid knew that although leaving his childhood memories behind was hard, only change could bring progress. “Comfort is a trap,” he remarked.
Khalid was bound for Indonesia to further his studies, becoming the first member of his family to do so. He chose to study Civil Engineering at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS). “My family is very supportive of my decision. They believe that the best way for someone to grow is by traveling and studying abroad to gain knowledge and experiences,” Khalid said.
Khalid was passionate about civil engineering. The classes were intense, but he loved every moment. While the course involved a lot of lab works, Khalid was particularly drawn to computer-based design, with a deep affection for structural design. In essence, the course focused on planning and creating safe and stable structures under various conditions, such as wind, earthquakes, and everyday use, an aspiration that tied back to Khalid’s childhood dream.
Khalid’s academic journey at UMS has been remarkable. He was active in many organizations and, in 2021, won third place in the Essay category of ISS-UM iFest, an event organized by Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.
When COVID-19 barred Khalid from returning home, he decided to continue his studies at UMS. “I chose UMS because it is my home now,” he said.
Reflecting on the differences between his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Khalid notes that his master’s program focuses more on research and community service than theories. “Master programs require a different mindset and dedication,” he explained. Khalid is now more future-oriented, contemplating his aspirations for Uganda, including potential business ventures and infrastructural contributions.
“The master’s program has made me think more about the future. I don’t have as much time to be on the ground with the students because my studies and research take up most of my time. But I’m constantly thinking about what I want to do in Uganda, like starting businesses and other initiatives,” he said.
While pursuing his master’s degree, Khalid founded an engineering firm in Uganda and a clothing company in Indonesia. The early days were a whirlwind, but his optimism remained unshaken. “Juggling academics and a business was tough,” he admitted, “but you gotta hustle if you want to make it.”
Khalid’s determination was partly inspired by his lecturers in the Civil Engineering program, especially Mochamad Solikin, S.T, M.T, Ph.D. He admires Solikin’s professionalism and how he conducts himself in class. But what stands out is Mr. Solikin’s willingness to connect with his students, treating them as equals.
“Mr. Solikin is my supervisor for the undergraduate program, he is also my supervisor in master’s too. You know I always look forward to his lecture. He listens and when we talk, we talk like adults,” said Khalid.
One aspect Khalid appreciates most about the Indonesian education system is the division of subjects into more manageable parts, making it easier to comprehend the material.
“Everything is easy here,” he joked. “For instance, in my country, structural design is one subject, and we design the foundation, the substructure, the main structure, and the roof of a building all in one course. It’s very challenging.”
Cultural Integration and Future Aspirations
When Khalid first arrived in Indonesia in 2017, he was among the many international students who came through the IPS Scholarship, a scholarship provided by UMS for youth from developing countries. He has since built a network of friends from his home country after actively promoting the university to people back home.
“I started spreading the word to my friends back home. I sent them information about UMS from the website and the international office’s Instagram page, and they followed me here,” he recalled.
Asked about why he did that, he replied, “I fell in love with this city. Solo is peaceful. The city is still attached to its culture, and that is what makes it different from other cities. The others are more gentrified.”
Khalid was impressed by how people speak using different levels of Bahasa Jawa, depending on whom they are addressing. However, what fascinates him the most is Keraton Kasunanan (Surakarta palace). During his frequent visits, he saw that people still lived by the palace’s guidelines and performed cultural ceremonies regularly.
Khalid has made a conscious effort to integrate into Indonesian society. He lived in Pesma for two years but then moved out to learn more about Surakarta’s culture. His advice for understanding different cultures is simple yet profound: “If you want to understand someone, approach them directly. Don’t judge a country by what you see online. Get to know the people personally.”
He mentions how social media has warped people’s perceptions while promoting negative stereotypes and echo chambers, which can reinforce existing biases and a distorted understanding of the world around us.
“Back when I’m still in Uganda I used to believe in stereotypes, I held certain beliefs about Indonesia, assuming it to be an extremist country. However, when I came here, I was pleasantly surprised by the hospitality of its people.” said Khalid
The 32-year-old’s extensive travels throughout Indonesia have enriched his perspective and provided him with valuable insights on how to contribute to his home country. “I love traveling. I have gone to Jakarta, Malang, Yogyakarta, and more, but I don’t do it for mere entertainment,” Khalid said, an avid motorcyclist who often explores cities on two wheels. “It’s about finding inspiration, whether for a building project I’m working on or gaining new perspectives.”
Looking ahead, Khalid dreams of starting a family and using his engineering skills to help develop his home country. “I need to marry soon, I’m getting old,” he joked,” but I’m excited to build a future not just for myself, but for my country.” he said.
Writer: Farizal Luqman Majid
Editor: Al Habib Josy Asheva
Sumber : Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta
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