The University of Mataram’s 100% graduation pledge for its most economically disadvantaged students is a bold commitment to educational equity as the bedrock for defeating poverty (SDG 1). This target acknowledges that true equity requires transforming the entire university ecosystem into a scaffold of support.

The narrative here is one of proactive, wraparound care. The university understands that a student worrying about their next meal cannot focus on their studies. Thus, the “Zero Dropout” initiative is built on a foundation of unconditional financial security, ensuring no student has to choose between their education and their survival. But the support extends deeper. It includes peer-mentoring programs where senior students guide newcomers, creating a culture of collective success. Faculty are trained to recognize and support students at academic risk, offering flexible deadlines and additional help without stigma.

This comprehensive approach ensures that a student’s potential is never limited by their parents’ income. By guaranteeing graduation, the University of Mataram is not just awarding degrees; it is certifying a generation of poverty-breakers. These graduates will enter the workforce not as beneficiaries of charity, but as empowered, skilled professionals capable of driving economic growth and stability for themselves and the region. This model positions the university as a national leader, proving that with the right support, educational equity is achievable and is the most profound long-term strategy for achieving “No Poverty.”