The University of Mataram’s ambitious target to achieve 100% graduation for its lowest-income students or below 20% income families is not merely an educational goal; it is a direct, strategic intervention in the cycle of intergenerational poverty, directly advancing SDG 1: No Poverty.

This mission redefines equity. It moves beyond mere access—getting students from poor families through the gate—to a robust model of success. The university recognizes that poverty is a multidimensional barrier. Therefore, its strategy is holistic. It involves comprehensive financial aid that covers not just tuition but also accommodation, food, and books, eliminating the economic pressure to drop out. It is supplemented by a robust academic support system: mandatory tutoring, writing centres, and mental health counselling tailored to the unique stresses these students face.

Furthermore, the curriculum is being intentionally linked to regional economic development. Through internships with local industries and community development projects, students see a direct pathway from their education to stable, high-value employment in Lombok and West Nusa Tenggara. By ensuring these students not only graduate but do so with the skills and connections to secure prosperous futures, the university is engineering a powerful disruption. Each graduate becomes a catalyst, lifting their entire family out of poverty and inspiring their communities. This creates a virtuous cycle where education becomes the most sustainable tool for eradicating poverty, transforming the university into an engine of regional equity and prosperity.