Great study S3 Iran, Cost living only 500 thousand per month
Syahrul in one corner of Tehran City Tehran (Doc. Syahrul)
Students from Surabaya are determined to study in Iran, experience a country that is labeled "terrible" and it turns out to be comfortable, living for a month with capital of 500 thousand
Illustration of Surabaya students studying in Iran (Ega/Mojok.co)
Before leaving for Iran, there was already a lot of opposition from local people. Mainly, because the majority of the country's population is Shia. However, the man from Surabaya actually proved that many people's assumptions about Iran are not all true. ***
Syahrul Ramadan (29), has been living in Tehran, the capital of Iran, for a year and a half. This man from Surabaya discovered many things that broke his expectations. Even though he was between countries in conflict, during his stay in Tehran he admitted that he never felt tension. For him, the city had attractive infrastructure. Development is everywhere. Parks in various corners of the city. "The point is, even though it is said to be embargoed by America, it turns out it is progressing like this. "The public facilities are also adequate," he said during an interview with Mojok on Tuesday (30/4/2024).
He took the decision to leave behind a wife and children after long consideration. Since he was still in high school based at the Muhammadiyah Islamic boarding school, he admitted that he had read a number of essays by figures from Iran. “I read several works by Ali Shariati, a figure in the Islamic revolution in Iran. "Interestingly, there is a book with an introduction by Amien Rais who is a Muhammadiyah figure," he said enthusiastically. When he then continued studying at UIN Surabaya, he read many more books on the thoughts of Ali Sariati and other Iranian Islamic figures. His interest in studying there then emerged. He had thought about looking for a master's scholarship to study in Iran. However, considering that there were still many organizational and work matters in Surabaya, he decided to postpone it. Syahrul then continued his Masters at two campuses at once, namely at UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya and Muhammadiyah University Sidoarjo.
However, he didn't talk much about his desire to study in Iran with people around him. Because, for many Islamic circles, Iran is a taboo country. Choosing to study there, where Islam is based on Shia, is considered unnatural.
Many were opposed when they wanted to leave Surabaya for Iran
In August 2020, Syahrul finally completed his master's degree. After that, he started looking for a doctoral scholarship in Iran.
While he was preparing for the scholarship, he asked permission from his wife, who fortunately was open and understood her husband's big dreams. However, Syahrul did not ask his parents for permission before being accepted. "Finally I got a scholarship at Mustafa International University to study Islamic Thought," he said.
His father, even though it was a bit difficult, still gave his blessing. Meanwhile, his mother had hoped that Syahrul would give up his plans to study in Iran. Not because it prohibits studying abroad but rather the country he chooses. Many Indonesians feel the stigma about Iran. Coincidentally, both of Syahrul's parents were also active in the Muhammadiyah organization.
“Finally, I tried to convince my parents by asking for blessings from several Muhammadiyah figures. If these figures didn't give a positive response, then my parents would follow suit," he recalled.
Syahrul then contacted several Muhammadiyah figures such as Prof Syafiq Mugnif to Prof Din Syamsyudin. Everyone, according to Syahrul, gave a positive response. It is rare for Muhammadiyah cadres to study in Iran. "Even so, when I told several friends, they were shocked. "Yes, there are also those who ask 'what are you looking for in Iran'," said Syahrul.
For friends who just chatter, he will answer perfunctorily. Obviously, he wants to study. However, he would joke, "want to find good coffee" to "want to find entertainment". However, for friends who really want to discuss, he is open to providing long answers.
Efforts to break the stigma of many people by studying in Iran
For those who doubt it, this man from Surabaya actually wants to prove that after returning from Iran his ideology has not changed. You don't necessarily become Shiite, although you will of course study it in lectures.
After a year there, in fact he admitted he was disappointed. “I feel disappointed because there is no Shia doctrine. "Indeed, during the discussion there was a presentation about the views of Shiite clerics regarding certain matters, but things like that are commonplace on various campuses," he explained.
Before leaving, he often read articles on the internet that stated that Sunni people often faced discrimination while in Iran. As far as he studied there, he had no experience or witness to such a situation.
Syahrul in one corner of Tehran City Tehran (Doc. Syahrul)
In Tehran, he can still find Sunni-based mosques. In fact, Syahrul later became Chairman of the Special Branch of Muhammadiyah Iran. “I often meet lecturers and introduce them to my background as a Muhammadiyah person from Indonesia. "They are happy and even often help," he said.
He found that various sects of Islam and other religions could coexist with Iran's Shiite society. There is also a synagogue standing there, even though Iran is one of Israel's leading critics.
Just live with capital of 500 thousand per month
Apart from that, the thing that makes him feel at home is the relatively affordable cost of living. Syahrul's scholarship while studying in Iran can cover education costs, dormitory facilities and a monthly allowance of 15 million Iranian Rials or 1.5 million Toman. This nominal value is equivalent to IDR 580 thousand at the current exchange rate.
This is a very small amount to live as a student in Indonesia for a month. However, according to Syahrul, the money was enough to meet his living needs.
“Here the cost of living is cheap. "Maybe because of the country's independence, considering the United States embargo situation," he said.
According to this migrant from Surabaya, life in Tehran, Iran made it easier for him as a foreigner. Transportation infrastructure ranging from subways to city buses is quite adequate even though most people use private cars.
Oh yes, that was one of the interesting things he discovered. Everywhere people have private cars. In fact, when interacting with a security guard, it turned out that the campus guard was going everywhere using a private car.
Living in Iran for a year made him comfortable. There, apart from Syahrul, there were more than a hundred students from Indonesia spread across several cities such as Tehran and Qom.
Author: Hammam Izzuddin
Editor: Agung Purwandono
Enak Kuliah S3 Di Iran, Biaya Hidup Cuma 500 Ribu Perbulan
Mahasiswa Asal Surabaya Nekat Kuliah di Iran, Rasakan Negara yang Dicap “Mengerikan” Ternyata Membuat Nyaman, Hidup Sebulan Modal 500 Ribu
Ilustrasi mahasiswa Surabaya kuliah di Iran (Ega/Mojok.co)
Sebelum berangkat saja ke Iran, sudah banyak tentangan yang didapat dari orang sekitar. Utamanya, karena mayoritas penduduk negara itu Syiah. Namun, lelaki asal Surabaya justru membuktikan bahwa anggapan banyak orang tentang Iran tak semuanya benar. ***
Syahrul Ramadan (29), sudah setahun setengah tinggal di Tehran, ibukota Iran. Lelaki asal Surabaya ini menemukan banyak hal yang mematahkan ekspektasinya. Meski berada di antara negara-negara yang berkonflik, selama tinggal di Tehran ia mengaku tak pernah merasakan ketegangan. Kota itu, baginya punya infrastruktur yang menarik. Pembangunan ada di mana-mana. Taman di berbagai sudut kota. “Intinya, walaupun dibilang diembargo sama Amerika, ternyata kok maju begini. Fasilitas publiknya juga memadahi,” tuturnya saat Mojok wawancarai Selasa (30/4/2024).
Keputusan merantau tinggalkan seorang anak dan istri ini ia ambil dengan pertimbangan panjang. Sejak masih duduk di bangku SMA berbasis pesantren Muhammadiyah, ia mengaku sudah membaca sejumlah karangan tokoh dari Iran.
“Aku baca beberapa karya Ali Syariati, tokoh revolusi Islam di Iran. Menariknya, ada bukunya dengan pengantar dari Amien Rais yang tokoh Muhammadiyah,” katanya antusias.
Ketika kemudian lanjut berkuliah di UIN Surabaya, lebih banyak lagi buku pemikiran Ali Sariati dan tokoh Islam Iran lain yang ia baca. Ketertarikannya untuk menempuh studi di sana kemudian muncul.
Ia sempat terpikir untuk mencari beasiswa S2 kuliah di Iran. Namun, mengingat masih banyak urusan organisasi dan kerja di Surabaya ia memutuskan untuk menundanya. Syahrul kemudian lanjut S2 di dua kampus sekaligus yakni di UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya dan Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo.
Namun, keinginan untuk kuliah di Iran itu memang tak banyak ia bicarakan ke orang sekitar. Sebab, Iran, bagi banyak kalangan Islam merupakan negara yang tabu. Memilih studi di sana yang Islamnya berbasis Syiah dianggap tak wajar.
Banyak yang menentang saat hendak berangkat dari Surabaya menuju Iran
Pada Agustus 2020 silam, akhirnya Syahrul menuntaskan S2. Selepas itu, ia mulai mencari beasiswa doktoral di Iran.
Selama sedang mempersiapkan beasiswa, ia meminta izin ke istrinya, yang beruntungnya memang terbuka dan mengerti cita-cita besar sang suami. Namun, kepada kedua orang tuanya, Syahrul tidak meminta izin dahulu sebelum diterima.
“Akhirnya sampai dapat beasiswa di Mustafa Intertional Univeristy studinya Pemikiran Islam,” ucapnya.
Bapaknya, meski agak berat tetap memberikan restu. Sementara ibunya, sempat berharap Syahrul mengurungkan niatnya kuliah di Iran. Bukan karena melarang studi ke luar negeri tapi lebih ke negara yang ia pilih. Stigma tentang Iran memang banyak dirasakan orang Indonesia. Kebetulan, kedua orang tua Syahrul juga aktif di organisasi Muhammadiyah.
“Akhirnya, aku mencoba meyakinkan orang tuaku dengan cara meminta restu ke beberapa tokoh Muhammadiyah. Jika tokoh-tokoh ini tidak memberikan respons positif, maka orang tuaku akan ngikut,” kenangnya. Syahrul lalu menghubungi beberapa tokoh Muhammadiyah seperti Prof Syafiq Mugnif hingga Prof Din Syamsyudin. Semuanya, menurut Syahrul, memberikan respons positif. Sudah jarang, ada kader Muhammadiyah yang studi di Iran.
“Meski begitu, pas cerita ke beberapa teman, mereka pada kaget. Ya ada juga yang tanya ‘mau cari apa di Iran’,” kata Syahrul. Bagi teman-teman yang sekadar nyeletuk saja, ia akan menjawab ala kadarnya. Jelas, ia ingin studi. Namun ia akan berkelakar, “mau cari kopi enak” hingga “mau cari hiburan”. Tetapi, bagi teman-teman yang memang ingin diskusi, ia terbuka untuk memberikan jawaban panjang lebar.
Upaya mematah stigma banyak orang dengan kuliah di Iran
Bagi mereka yang meragukan, lelaki asal Surabaya ini justru ingin membuktikan bahwa sepulang dari Iran ideologinya tak berubah. Tidak lantas menjadi Syiah walaupun tentu akan mempelajarinya di dalam perkuliahan. Setelah setahunan di sana, nyatanya ia justru mengaku kecewa. “Kecewa karena tidak ada doktrin Syiah yang aku rasakan. Memang, saat diskusi ada pemaparan soal bagaimana pandangan ulama Syiah mengenai suatu hal, tapi hal semacam itu lumrah di berbagai kampus,” paparnya.
Sebelum berangkat, ia sering membaca tulisan di internet yang menyatakan orang Sunni kerap dapat diskriminasi selama di Iran. Sejauh ia berkuliah di sana, tak ada pengalaman maupun menyaksikan situasi semacam itu.
Syahrul di salah satu sudut Kota Tehran Tehran (Dok. Syahrul)
Di Tehran, ia juga masih bisa menemukan masjid berbasi Sunni. Bahkan, Syahrul kemudian menjadi Ketua Pimpinan Cabang Istimewa Muhammadiyah Iran.
“Aku sering ketemu dosen dan memperkenalkan latarbelakangku sebagai orang Muhammadiyah dari Indonesia. Mereka senang bahkan sering membantu,” katanya.
Ia mendapati berbagai aliran Islam dan agama lain bisa hidup berdampingan dengan masyarakat Syiah Iran. Di sana juga ada sinagog berdiri, padahal, Iran merupakan salah satu pengecam terdepan Israel.
Cukup hidup bermodalkan 500 ribu per bulan
Selain itu, hal yang membuatnya kerasan adalah biaya hidup yang relatif terjangkau. Beasiswa selama kuliah di Iran yang Syahrul dapat mencakup biaya pendidikan, fasilitas asrama, dan uang saku bulanan sebesar 15 juta Rial Iran atau 1,5 juta Toman. Nominal tersebut setara dengan Rp580 ribu kurs terkini.
Jumlah yang terbilang sangat sedikit untuk hidup sebagai mahasiswa di Indonesia sebulan. Namun, menurut Syahrul uang itu cukup untuk memenuhi kebutuhan hidupnya. “Di sini biaya kebutuhan hidup murah. Mungkin karena kemandirian negaranya, mengingat situasi embargo Amerika Serikat,” katanya.
Kehidupan di Tehran, Iran menurut perantau asal Surabaya ini memudahkannya sebagai orang asing. Infrastruktur transportasi mulai dari kereta bawah tanah hingga bus kota cukup memadahi meski kebanyakan orang menggunakan mobil pribadi.
Oh iya, itu jadi salah satu hal menarik yang ia temui. Di mana-mana orang punya mobil pribadi. Bahkan, ketika berinteraksi dengan seorang satpam, ternyata penjaga kampusnya itu kemana-mana menggunakan mobil pribadi. Setahunan tinggal di Iran, membuatnya nyaman. Di sana, selain Syahrul, ada lebih dari seratus mahasiswa asal Indonesia yang tersebar di beberapa kota seperti Tehran dan Qom.
Penulis: Hammam Izzuddin
Editor: Agung Purwandono