UII Industrial Engineering Student Wins First Place at AIC Essay Competition 2025
Zahid Anugrah Muzaffar Rana, an Industrial Engineering student from the Faculty of Industrial Engineering (FTI), Islamic University of Indonesia (UII), won first place in the Al-Azhar Islamic Center (AIC) Essay Competition 2025. The competition was held in regional stages across the Special Region of Yogyakarta and involved participants from various universities. The event took place from September 16 to 25, 2025, with the winners announced on October 25, 2025. With the theme of “Excessive Exploitation of Natural Resources and the Urgency of Sustainable Management,” Zahid focused on the sub-theme “Evaluation of Natural Resource Policy in Indonesia.” This achievement proves that UII Industrial Engineering students are not only excellent in technology, but also capable of contributing to social issues and public policy.
The Journey from Idea to First Place
Zahid participated in the AIC Essay Competition 2025, following the process from registration to essay submission. His work was then evaluated by the judges and achieved the highest score based on its quality. On this occasion, Zahid chose to focus the topic of re-engineering natural resource management in Indonesia based on existing problems and transforming it into a structured working framework called the Eco-Justice Enforcement Model.
During the preparation period, Zahid was having limited time due to his busy schedule. He started initiated his ideas three days before the deadline, with almost no time left to develop his arguments and refine the structure of his writing. His motivation to do his best motivation, Zahid use his nighttime rest time to finish his writing. His parents support was key in keeping him focused and consistent throughout the competition. The support including a message from his parents: “You have to do and finish what you start.”. With his parents support and consistent effort, Zahid won 1st Place at the Al-Azhar Islamic Centre Essay Competition 2025.
Reflections and Aspirations Beyond the Achievement
For Zahid, this achievement is a valuable and proud experience. Especially considering that many participants in the competition had academic perspectives closely aligned with the topic discussed. Through this competition, he gained new insights into social policy changes and evaluations in Indonesia, which currently still needs improvement. Zahid motivated other students to move forward without hesitating.
“Never be afraid to try, start now so that you can grow in the future,” he said.
The brave steps Zahid took are proof that the courage to try new things can open up opportunities that were previously unimaginable. Zahid’s hopes for his journey can inspire other students to take initiative whenever opportunities appear.
Nisrina Nur Masrefa
