Even though his mother was a teacher, becoming a lecturer was not Taufik Faturohman’s main goal because he had no teaching experience. Young Taufik aspired to become a politician.
“After receiving a scholarship from the Sampoerna Foundation, I decided to take this path, and now, I am very grateful for the decision,” shared Taufik, a lecturer in the Business Risk and Finance expertise group SBM ITB, on Monday (10/28).
Taufik grew up in an educational family. His mother was a teacher, and his father, an ITB alumnus from the Mining Engineering class of ’68, was passionate about his alma mater. He often proudly referred to it as “Bung Karno’s School.”
In 1992, Taufik attended a prestigious junior high school in Pontianak, where he was the Student Council (OSIS) secretary. He later went to high school in Bandung, where he became involved in Student Council again, eventually serving as Deputy Chairperson. These experiences sparked his early interest in politics and a desire to become a politician.
After high school, Taufik enrolled at ITB in 1998, majoring in Materials Engineering—a field he grew to love, even though he did not pursue a related career. Throughout university years, he continued to foster his political interests through student activities, including serving on the ITB student family presidential election committee. However, he gradually realized that politics was more of an interest to study rather than a professional goal.
He earned his bachelor’s degree with a thesis entitled “Heterogeneous Sulfonation of Polystyrene,” a research part of the styrofoam recycling effort at LIPI.
After graduating, Taufik started a plastic recycling business with a friend, though it was short-lived. Nevertheless, his university years introduced him to a supportive network, which was invaluable as his eyesight began to decline due to retinitis pigmentosa, making everyday tasks, like reading an oven thermometer, increasingly difficult.
As his vision worsened, Taufik pursued an MBA at ITB, where his thesis focused on risk management in Islamic banking. Here, he encountered many inspiring professionals and was trusted to contribute as a case writer.
As his vision worsened, Taufik pursued an MBA program at ITB (class of 32), with a thesis on risk management in Islamic banks. Here, he met many inspiring professionals and was trusted to contribute as a case writer.
Doctoral Scholarship to Australia
Taufik’s dedication and accomplishments as a case writer earned him a scholarship from the Sampoerna Foundation to pursue a doctorate in Economics and Finance at Curtin University in Australia. Despite his deteriorating vision, he continued to demonstrate meticulous attention to detail and commitment to routine.
“I never anticipated how much my habit of attention to detail would help me. Since starting my doctorate, I memorized the number of steps to the hall or prayer room and always ensure my belongings are exactly where I left them,” he reflected.
After completing his PhD at Curtin University in 2014, Taufik returned to ITB as a lecturer at SBM, specializing in Business Risk and Finance. He expressed gratitude for the inclusive environment at SBM ITB.
“SBM ITB is highly supportive and never discriminates against me despite my limited vision. I am entrusted to engage with various stakeholders and grow within education,
Taufik is always grateful for the support of his family, students, colleagues, and leaders at both SBM and ITB levels, who have helped him achieve various achievements, such as the best paper award from Bank Indonesia and the opportunity to contribute to the preparation of the National Strategy for Literacy and Inclusion of Sharia Economics and Finance in Indonesia (SNLIEKSI). In addition, Taufik is also one of the lecturers with the most Scopus-indexed publications in his expertise group. He attributes his success to the prayers and support of his parents and those closest to him.
“I am very fortunate to be a lecturer at ITB, one of the best universities in the country, where I can contribute and mentor remarkable students. The diversity of backgrounds and structured inclusivity make SBM ITB like my second home,” Taufik concluded.