Ahmad Sya’ban Firdaus, an 8th-semester student at the Faculty of Dirasat Islamiyah (FDI) of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, has successfully received the Gus Dur Scholarship 2022. The program began with the registration process from January 1 to March 31, 2022. This was followed by document selection on April 16 and concluded with the announcement of winners on April 31. The scholarship is a collaboration between the Faculty of Adab and Humanities (FAH) and the Wahid Foundation. It is awarded for final thesis research focusing on KH. Abdurrahman Wahid, approached from various academic perspectives, including his thoughts, historical records, and more.

Sya’ban not only competed with students from FDI but also with students from all departments of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. The scholarship is given in cash, totaling Rp. 10,000,000, distributed in three payments: 60% upon being declared eligible, 25% upon registering for the thesis, and 15% after completing all thesis procedures, including the defense and revisions. The funds are intended for the completion of the thesis, including research, studies, and other related expenses.

In addition to the financial support, Sya’ban also gained other benefits from the scholarship, such as a deeper understanding of Gus Dur's character, expanding his network, and connecting with fellow scholars of Gus Dur’s thoughts. He had the opportunity to meet remarkable individuals, including Yenni Wahid, Director of the Wahid Foundation, and Prof. Greg Braghton, the author of Gus Dur’s biography. He also shared a message: "Many people think that studying at FDI is difficult, but as time goes by and when we feel comfortable and find what we are interested in within one of the fields at FDI, it will become easier to understand everything. The knowledge at FDI is interconnected, which makes it easier for us to comprehend all aspects of Islamic studies. As long as we enjoy the process, everything will be made easier. And never be afraid to try every challenge and opportunity, because from those opportunities, there may be fortunes that we gain,” he said. (FDI Journalists Team: Syifa Kamilah, Editor: Zainudin Nur)