UNS — Energic, innovative, and inspirative are words that describe Shoffan Mujahid, a student of Development Economics Program (EP) Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta. In his 20 years of his age, Shoffan, his nickname, successfully established BersamaBisa.id community and initiated Sekolah Generasi Indonesia, and wrote two books; “Muda Memimpin” (Youth Leading) and “Memimpin Hati Rakyat” (Leading People Heart), published by Sabuk Pustaka and Jendela Sastra Indonesia, respectively.
uns.ac.id team got a valuable opportunity to talk with the student from Sragen District to discuss his background and tips to write books at a young age. To which Shoffan explained that book authorship is based on his writing hobby and his passion for sharing virtue. During the writing process, Shoffan was inspired by Mohammad Natsir, a national hero. Mohammad Natsir is Indonesia’s independence figure, prime minister from 1950-1951, and President of the World Muslim League, who completed 45 books and hundreds of articles.
“The ideological reason is Pramoedya Ananta Toer’s message that writing is the work of personality because writing is not limited by time and has broader benefits. And the commonly thought issue is leadership and the community,” Shoffan said to uns.ac.id on Thursday (23/9/2021).
He also explained that his book, “Muda Memimpin” discusses leadership, organizational records, and Indonesia knowledge. While “Memimpin Hati Rakyat” discusses youth’s thoughts in creating their contribution for the people. The Batch 2019 student shared that he spent one year completing “Muda Memimpin” which he started writing in 2019 and completed in 2020. His second book, “Memimpin Hati Rakyat” was written this year. “Muda Memimpin” was released on 28 October 2020, but on 27 October 2020, Shoffan lost his beloved father.
Tips for Writing in Young Age
Writing is not an easy task as it requires rich diction, a clear framework, ideas, and creativity. Shoffan said that he never participated in workshops or training for writing. His first tip for writing a book is to have a strong idea and thought because, for him, writing is a process of delivering ideas supported by strong mental will. He also added that writers need to present their ideas that match with their identity.
“For me, I often read economy, politics, and national figures,” he said.
Shoffan added that what he read affects his writing and that his writing is merely a flintstone for the future generation who will lead Indonesia with progressive, people-oriented, and commitment to justice. Humas UNS
Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti