Al-Zaytun Community Service Tutor Earns Master’s Degree at 49: When Learning Becomes a Path to Lifelong Devotion
By: Sri Wahyuni, S.Pd. (Al Zaytun Community Service Tutor)
The steps may no longer be as swift as they were in his youth. His hair is starting to turn gray. But the passion for learning only grows stronger. Amidst thunderous applause and the roar of emotion at the Swadaya Gunung Jati University (UGJ) Cirebon Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, May 23, 2026, a 49-year-old man stood tall, wearing his proud toga. His name was Joko Sairan.
That day was more than just an academic ceremony. For Joko, his inauguration as a Master’s degree graduate was the culmination of a long journey of seeking knowledge, family struggles, dedication to education, and the belief that learning is never too late.
At the Auditorium of Campus 1, UGJ Cirebon, along with 703 other graduates from the Undergraduate, Professional, and Postgraduate programs, Joko participated in the solemn graduation ceremony that began early in the morning. When the toga’s tassels were removed as the official symbol of graduation, a smile of gratitude spread across his face. Behind that brief moment lay the story of decades of difficult struggle.
Joko did not pursue higher education in a linear fashion like most people. He only earned his Bachelor’s degree at the age of 43. Six years later, he once again proved that age is no barrier to development by completing his Master’s degree.
“I am grateful to Allah SWT for this opportunity. Education is a gift that must be utilized to the fullest,” he said gratefully.
When asked why he was only pursuing higher education at such an advanced age, Joko smiled. He recalled his youth, which he spent exploring various regions and gaining life experiences.
For him, life is a great school that teaches many things. However, over time, he realized that life experiences needed to be enriched with formal education to provide broader benefits to society.
This realization led him to return to college and earn a Master’s degree.
However, for Joko, an academic degree was not his ultimate goal. The knowledge he gained served as a tutor at the Al-Zaytun Community Learning Center (PKBM).
At this non-formal educational institution, Joko discovered the true meaning of education.
As a tutor, he encountered students from diverse backgrounds. Some had dropped out of school due to economic reasons, others had to work at a young age, and still others had returned to learning after decades away from school.
This diversity makes the learning process at the Al-Zaytun Community Learning Center a unique and challenging experience.
“Each student has a different character and life experiences. I am required to be more patient, creative, and flexible in delivering the material,” he said.
For Joko, teaching is more than just a profession. It is a calling. As an alumnus of IAI Al-Azis, he views education as one of the most important instruments in improving the quality of human resources.
Therefore, his service at the Al-Zaytun Community Learning Center (PKBM) is part of his efforts to realize the values of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in the areas of education and community service.
During his time as a tutor, many experiences remain etched in his memory. One of the most memorable was when he had to pick up students from alley to alley using a rental car so they could attend learning activities.
The struggle was certainly not easy. It required time, effort, and extra patience. However, Joko believed that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn.
This hard work ultimately yielded encouraging results. Many students who were initially reluctant to pursue education realized the importance of learning. Many even went on to pursue higher education.
“When I saw them succeed in pursuing their undergraduate degrees, I felt very proud. That was a source of joy for me as an educator,” he said.
According to Joko, one of the things that kept him motivated was seeing the students’ determination to continue attending classes despite facing various life limitations.
Their enthusiasm actually gave him renewed energy to continue improving the quality of learning.
Furthermore, the family atmosphere fostered between tutors, administrators, and students at the Al-Zaytun Community Learning Center (PKBM) created a warm and enjoyable learning environment.
“Here, I learned that education isn’t just about transferring knowledge, but also about building hope and a future,” he said.
Joko’s decision to pursue a Master’s degree was also driven by their encouragement and motivation the support given by Sheikh Al-Zaytun. He believes that the message of the importance of improving the quality of education, which he consistently conveyed, was a major inspiration in his academic journey.
The support of his family, friends, and community, who always had a positive attitude towards education, helped strengthen his resolve to face various challenges.
The journey to a postgraduate degree was not easy. As the head of a family and a dedicated member of Mahad Al-Zaytun, he had to balance his time between family responsibilities, work, and studies.
On several occasions, he admitted that he almost gave up due to the limitations. However, support from various parties kept him going.
“Thanks to the support of Sheikh Al-Zaytun and the Chairman of the Indonesian Islamic Boarding School Foundation, Dr. (Can) Datuk Sir Imam Prawoto, KRSS., MBA., CRBC., I was able to go through the entire study process well,” he said.
Now, having officially earned his Master’s degree, Joko doesn’t see this achievement as the end of the line. Instead, he sees it as the beginning of a greater responsibility to continue serving and benefiting society through education.
Joko Sairan’s story conveys a simple yet profound message: that learning is a lifelong journey. No age is too old to seek knowledge, and nothing is too late for those who truly desire change.
Amidst the challenges of an ever-evolving era, the spirit of this Al-Zaytun Community Service Center (PKBM) tutor serves as a reminder that education is not just about obtaining a degree, but about developing personal qualities to provide greater benefits to others.
And at 49 years old, Joko Sairan has proven that dreams know no age limit. All it takes is the courage to keep moving forward, learning, and serving.**
Indramayu, June 3, 2026
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