MAN 1 Yogyakarta Alumnus and Judge Encourages New Students to Uphold Integrity

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — Success is not determined by where someone comes from, but by good habits, discipline, a willingness to learn, and integrity maintained throughout life. This message was delivered by Syihabuddin, S.H., M.H., during the third-day talk show of the Masa Ta’aruf Murid Madrasah (MATAMUDA) at MAN 1 Yogyakarta on Wednesday (15/7/2026).

The talk show, held at the second-floor hall of MAN 1 Yogyakarta, was attended by all MATAMUDA participants, who are prospective Grade 10 students. Syihabuddin’s presence provided special inspiration as he is an alumnus of MAN 1 Yogyakarta who now serves as a Judicial Judge within the Legal and Judicial Policy Strategy, Education, and Training Agency of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia (BSDK MA RI).

In front of the participants, Syihabuddin shared his life journey, which began in a simple family. He described himself as a “village boy with a million dreams” who had no special advantages other than the willingness to keep learning and working hard.

“There is nothing special about me. I simply try to manage my time well, stay enthusiastic about learning, be willing to do anything as long as it is good, and respect and obey my teachers,” he said.

As a student, Syihabuddin was not only focused on academics but also actively participated in various organizations. According to him, the madrasah provides students with many opportunities to grow through learning, organizational activities, friendships, and guidance from inspiring teachers.

He emphasized that having dreams plays an important role in determining the direction of one’s life. However, dreams will mean little without habits that support their achievement.

“What determines your future is not your parents, teachers, or friends, but the habits you practice every day,” he said.

Syihabuddin also shared the most important lessons he has learned throughout his career as a judge. According to him, there are three values that should never be lost: integrity, honesty, and responsibility.

He explained that integrity means having consistency between one’s values, words, and actions, which reflects honesty and earns respect from others. A person with integrity acts according to their words, remains true to themselves, stays consistent with their principles, and lives according to the values of truth.

These values can be developed from an early age at school by being honest in different situations, keeping promises, following rules, respecting social norms, and becoming a good example through one’s behavior and ethics.

In the professional world, Syihabuddin continued, integrity can be seen through responsibility, transparency, objectivity, consistency, and loyalty to one’s profession. A person should also have strong commitment and be someone others can trust.

“Be a person who can be trusted because trust is the most valuable asset,” he advised.

Head of MAN 1 Yogyakarta Edi Triyanto, S.Ag., S.Pd., M.Pd., said that the presence of alumni at MATAMUDA gives new students a real example of the journey toward achieving their dreams.

“Mr. Syihabuddin’s journey shows that limitations are not barriers to success. We hope the MATAMUDA participants can learn from his enthusiasm for learning, discipline, courage to dream, and especially the integrity he has maintained throughout his journey to reach where he is today,” Edi said.

Through the talk show, MATAMUDA participants are expected not only to be motivated to achieve excellence but also to build good habits from their very first day at MAN 1 Yogyakarta. After all, success is not only about how far someone can go, but also about how firmly they uphold the values of truth throughout their journey. (dee)