Meet the Alumnus: Rinaldi Nur Ibrahim, a Young Pharmacist Pioneering Social Innovation from UIN Jakarta

Jakarta, UIN Online News – Amidst the challenges of the times and rapid social changes, an inspiring young individual has emerged, making education, compassion, and innovation the core of his endeavors. This is Rinaldi Nur Ibrahim, an alumnus of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, now known as a young pharmacist, founder of various youth development platforms, and a pioneer of social movements from Eastern Indonesia.

Born in Bone Regency, South Sulawesi, on March 1, 1998, Rinaldi embarked on his higher education journey with immense spirit and struggle. Since 2015, he ventured to Jakarta and became a recipient of the Outstanding Santri Scholarship (PBSB) from the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs to pursue a degree in Pharmacy and subsequently the Pharmacist Professional Program at UIN Jakarta.

Throughout his studies, Rinaldi was not only known for his academic brilliance but also for his active and innovative involvement in various social and youth activities. He was named 2nd Best Student of FKIK UIN Jakarta and received the Student Achievement Awards for two consecutive years (2017 and 2018). Most notably, he was recognized as the Best Graduate of UIN Jakarta, an achievement that was not coincidental but the fruit of hard work, integrity, and consistent learning.

Beyond his campus life, Rinaldi has also left his mark on both national and international stages. In 2019, he was named Youth Pioneer of Banten Province, and in the same year, he earned the title of Putra Bahari Indonesia Persahabatan (Indonesian Maritime Son of Friendship). On the global stage, he shone as the Best Delegate at the Youtex event in Seoul, South Korea, proving that the achievements of young people from the regions can compete globally.

More than just personal achievements, Rinaldi's spirit is poured into his social work. He founded Youth Ranger Indonesia, a youth empowerment platform based on mentorship that has reached over 10,000 members from across Indonesia since 2018. “Young people actually have a lot of potential, but they don't yet have a platform to express it,” Rinaldi stated. Therefore, this platform serves as a space for young people to grow, share, and learn together.

His commitment to health aspects is also undeniable. Through the Indonesian Drug Campaign platform, Rinaldi actively advocates for the importance of understanding correct medication use and maintaining public health preventatively. This initiative is his contribution as a pharmacist and a health communicator who champions public education.

Not stopping there, Rinaldi also founded Otti Chips, a social enterprise in the form of a youth snack that has a tangible social impact. “Since its launch in July 2020, Otti Chips has provided results to help our saudara (brothers and sisters) affected by floods in Masamba, South Sulawesi, and assistance to elderly widows in Sampang, East Java,” he revealed.

For Rinaldi, business is not just about profit, but a means to share. UIN Jakarta has been a fertile ground for national talents like Rinaldi Nur Ibrahim. Amidst various opportunities and challenges, he integrates the academic, social, and spiritual values he gained during his education on campus, using them as a foundation to build change in society.

For the young generation of Indonesia who are embarking on their dreams, Rinaldi offers a simple message: "Don't hesitate to dream big, but don't forget to start with small steps. Everyone has potential; it just depends on how we nurture it with spirit, courage, and real contribution. If we wait for perfection, we will never start. But if we start, we will continue to learn to become better."

Beyond his presence on social media, Rinaldi Nur Ibrahim is also active in social movements. He is the founder of Youth Ranger Indonesia, the initiator of EMAS Mengabdi to build schools in remote areas, and the instigator of Santri Summit as a scholarship program for santri (Islamic boarding school students). This social work underscores his commitment to uniting da'wah (Islamic propagation), education, and community service.

(Rizkiyah Gustiana N./Fauziah M./Noeni Indah S.)