Bima Saputra shows his cheap and affordable geprek chicken rice which is known to be popular among ITS students.

ITS Campus, ITS News — The story of Bima Saputra’s struggle, a student at Institut Teknologi Sepulluh Nopember (ITS), which has recently been in the public spotlight is indeed very inspiring. Every day, he has to travel 80 kilometers from his home in Mojosari, Mojokerto to the ITS campus in Surabaya to carry out two tasks at once, namely studying and helping his family by selling geprek chicken.

The main motivation of the young man who is familiarly called Bimbim in selling is to help the family economy, considering that his father works in a factory and his mother is a housewife. So if he doesn’t help sell, his family’s economy will still be very tight. “In addition, by selling I also want to help friends who are migrants to be able to get cheap food,” said the student who likes sports and learning new things.

The viral story of Bimbim’s persistence in helping his parents began with his friend’s upload on social media, which then attracted the attention of many people. The public was inspired by his determination and hard work. For Bimbim, success is not only measured by academic achievement, but also the courage to face life’s difficulties with real effort. “All of this is for my family and my future,” said the young man who was born on December 24, 2004, confidently.

Bima Saputra (right) selling his geprek chicken rice to his friends on the ITS campus

Bimbim wants his business selling geprek chicken, which he has only been running since studying at ITS, to be known as a provider of cheap, practical, and quality food. This idea came from himself so that it could help ease the family’s economic burden. “To achieve this, I plan to use digital platforms such as social media for wider promotion,” said the only son of Muliono Saputra and Iin Kurniawati.

In his daily life, Bimbim spends his mornings preparing his merchandise with his mother. The student from the ITS Information Systems Department Digital Innovation Undergraduate Study Program also helps cook, pack rice, and make sure everything is ready to be taken to campus. By bringing 25-35 boxes of geprek chicken rice, he uses public transportation to ITS, then sells it to fellow students at an affordable price, IDR 10 thousand per box.

When evening approached, the 2024 student immediately returned home to help his mother and prepare for the next day’s activities. The long journey from home to campus did not discourage him, instead he felt grateful to be able to contribute to his family. Even though he was tired, he admitted that he was happy to do activities like this to help his family’s economy.

Bima Saputra when he brought his merchandise to sell around the ITS campus

Bimbim is now starting to be known by the ITS academic community with his signature menu, geprek chicken. In fact, he was recently invited to an event on a private television station as a guest star because of his inspiring story. He has become a young figure who can prove that as a student you can still contribute to your family.

Bimbim advised not to be afraid to start. According to him, starting a business does require a lot of considerations at the beginning, such as shame, prestige, fear, and so on. But if you are consistent and willing to learn, the results will be pleasing. “Always remember the initial goal, be it helping your family or gaining experience,” said Bimbim, reminding students who also want to sell like him but are still hesitant.

He also said to always make a clear schedule and make sure to always prioritize things that are the main priority. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends or family if there are obstacles and make sure to always stay healthy. “Success doesn’t come overnight, so enjoy the process no matter how tiring it is,” said Bimbim giving tips. (ITS PUBLIC RELATIONS)

Reporter: Harri Raditya Ardianto