“President of Gen Z” Rian Fahardhi Inspires Students at UIN Jakarta Expose 2026

Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Online News—Content creator and young activist Rian Fahardhi appeared as one of the guest speakers in the UIN Jakarta Expose 2026 series at the Harun Nasution Auditorium on Wednesday (February 11, 2026). An alumnus of the Islamic Communication and Broadcasting Study Program (KPI) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, he is widely known on social media, especially TikTok, and is often nicknamed the “President of Gen Z” for consistently voicing social and political issues among young people.

Graduating on July 12, 2022, Rian shared the story of his transformation from his school years to becoming an influential public figure. He admitted that during high school he was not a standout student. He even felt insecure and struggled with public speaking.

“I used to be nobody. I sat in the back row, lacked confidence, and was even afraid to speak in public. But I believe people can change,” he said before the participants.

According to Rian, change does not come from temporary motivation but from small decisions made consistently. “Motivation does not always push us to stay consistent. Repetition is what creates motivation. Do not wait to feel motivated to start—start first, and motivation will follow,” he emphasized.

He stressed the importance of building a system that supports life goals. For Rian, UIN Jakarta became the space that helped him find direction and shape his identity. “For me, UIN Jakarta is the system that shaped me. It is not just a place to study, but a place to grow,” he said.

Since childhood, Rian had dreamed of becoming a journalist and looked up to senior journalist Najwa Shihab as his role model. He set a goal to move to Jakarta, which he saw as the center of national media.

“Intentions must be built into habits, habits into character, and character into identity. That is how the direction of our lives is formed,” he explained.

Closing the session, Rian encouraged prospective new students not to hesitate in choosing UIN Jakarta as a place to grow and develop themselves.

“If you want to grow, do not only look for a university with a big name. Look for a place that gives you space to grow. In my opinion, UIN Jakarta is one of them. Here I found a system, mentors, and an environment that pushed me to become the best version of myself,” he said.

He added, “Do not hesitate to start your journey at UIN Jakarta. This could be the starting point of a major change in your life.”

Through presentations on the SNPMB pathway, SPAN PTKIN, and independent admission selection; scholarship socialization; introductions to faculties and study programs; and talk show sessions with inspiring alumni, UIN Jakarta Expose 2026 became a space for information and direct interaction between prospective students and the academic community.

Attended by university leaders, representatives of SNPMB and LPDP, faculty deans, and more than 2,000 participants from around 200 schools, the event reaffirmed UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta’s commitment to providing broad access to information for young people who wish to pursue higher education.

(Putri Khoirina N. / Fauziah M. / Zaenal M. / Syandana Mazna Aisyah / Photo: Azka Raysa P.)