UNS – The Zakat Collection Unit (UPZ) of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta has once again shown its support. This time, it supports international students pursuing higher education at UNS. On Thursday (17/4/2025), UPZ UNS awarded a scholarship to Doaa Jameel Eid Al-Ramlawi. She is a student from Palestine currently enrolled in the Doctoral Program in Public Health at the UNS Graduate School. The scholarship ceremony took place at the Nurul Huda Islamic Center Seminar Room.
Support for Students from Conflict-Affected Regions
The UNS academic community demonstrates strong empathy and solidarity through this scholarship. They especially direct their support toward students from conflict-affected regions. Doaa, who comes from the central Gaza Strip, has been studying at UNS since 2022. She first came to Indonesia to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Administration. She enrolled at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UNS.
“I am deeply grateful for all the efforts made to support Palestinian students. Thank you very much to UPZ UNS and the UNS International Office. I hope this support will be helpful,” Doaa said after receiving the scholarship. Elisa Herawati, S.Si., M.Eng., Ph.D., Head of the UNS International Services Subdirectorate, accompanied her. In addition, Catur Wibowo, Operational Manager of UPZ UNS, also joined them.
Furthermore, Doaa shared the difficult conditions in her hometown. The prolonged conflict has destroyed essential infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, and educational facilities. She also revealed that she had lost her father and sister due to the attacks in Gaza.
“More than 90% of homes in Gaza have suffered destruction. Our healthcare system has collapsed. I earned my bachelor’s degree from the Islamic University of Gaza, and now the conflict has left the university in ruins,” she explained.
Resilience and Academic Determination
Despite the hardships, Doaa remains committed to her education. After earning her Master’s degree in 2024, she is pursuing a Doctoral degree in public health. In addition, she has published six research papers in international journals.
“I’ve decided to stay here and continue my doctoral studies. I’ll be in Indonesia until 2028 to complete my Ph.D. God willing, if I can return to Gaza, I hope to help others in my country,” she added.
According to Wardiyanto, S.H., M.H., General Manager of UPZ UNS, this scholarship demonstrates the moral responsibility of the UNS academic community. It aims to support international students during humanitarian crises.
“This scholarship is a form of care from the UNS academic community. It helps international students at UNS continue their studies. It represents our support for their academic journey at UNS,” he stated.
In 2023, UNS supported Palestinian students through the “UNS Peduli” (UNS Care) program. This initiative aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to students from conflict-affected regions. Through such actions, UNS promotes a safe and inclusive academic environment for all students, regardless of nationality. It also supports their aspirations to contribute to global peace.
Humas UNS
Reporter: R.P. Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
