Terdius Graduate from Timor Leste UMPO Is a Great Home That Teaches Brotherhood Beyond Borders

UMPO.AC.ID - A touching and proud atmosphere filled the graduation ceremony of Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo (UMPO). Among the graduates was Terdius Dejesus, a student from the Law Studies Program originally from Timor-Leste, who shared his heartfelt experience during his studies in Indonesia.

In his speech, Terdius admitted that he initially had some worries due to cultural, language, and religious differences when he first arrived. However, all those doubts quickly disappeared.

“I was received with happiness and warmth, treated with respect, and guided with patience,” he said.

UMPO has become his ‘second home’, teaching him that true brotherhood transcends ethnic, religious, and national boundaries. It is built upon mutual respect and universal human values.

“In my language, Yang umur peneroboh, hausyenti hanese... means: I came to Indonesia alone, but at Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo, I felt like I was in a great home,” he explained.

Beyond earning his degree, Terdius said he takes home many life lessons—discipline, sincerity, tolerance, and the spirit of sharing. He promised to use his legal knowledge to serve his community and help build Timor-Leste into a just, dignified, and sovereign nation.

In closing, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his parents, all lecturers, academic staff, fellow students, and the people of Ponorogo for giving him a sense of comfort, peace, and true brotherhood.