Raised in a modest family, Arif grew up in a disciplined environment. His father was a strict teacher, and his mother was a diligent trader. Living near a market and terminal gave Arif firsthand lessons about social realities. Despite having economic limitations, the value of education was always Arif's guiding principle.

"My father always said, education is the door to a better future," recalled Arif. That is also what motivates him to encourage young people to pursue higher education.

Arif completed his primary and secondary education in Bumiayu before moving on to SMA Negeri 1 Purwokerto. In his teenage years, he began showing an independent and competitive spirit, a character that continued to develop until he was accepted into the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) to study industrial engineering. Not stopping at being a busy student, Arif also taught at a tutoring center from his third semester to help ease his family’s financial burden.

After graduating from ITB, Arif started his career in consulting and the automotive industry. However, he felt a strong desire to contribute more to society. He joined the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) in 1994 as the head of the statistical development subdivision.

His awareness of the importance of education led him to pursue a master's degree in policy economics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the United States. There, he played the roles of a student, a part-time worker and the head of his family, responsible for its well-being.

"I learned that no challenge is too big if we have a clear goal and the spirit to achieve it," he said.

After completing his studies, Arif returned to Indonesia and resumed his bureaucratic career with a renewed passion. From director at the National Public Procurement Agency (LKPP) to secretary general of the General Elections Commission (KPU), he demonstrated exceptional performance before finally joining the Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry. There, he was entrusted as deputy for Human Resource Development and later as secretary of the ministry.

The year 2021 added a new chapter to Arif Rahman Hakim’s journey. He was appointed president commissioner of PNM, a company focused on empowering ultra-micro businesses through mentorship and financing. This role became an opportunity for him to make a tangible impact in the sector he had long been dedicated to.

Under his leadership, PNM continued to strengthen the Mekaar program (Membina Ekonomi Keluarga Sejahtera), which has helped millions of underprivileged women become more economically independent. Arif believes that ultra-micro women entrepreneurs are the backbone of Indonesia’s economy.

"Our mission at PNM is to ensure that every household business owner has access to the financing and mentorship they need to grow," he said.

Arif Rahman Hakim's life journey is proof that big dreams can be achieved with hard work, discipline and an unceasing spirit of learning. From a village child in the remote area of Brebes, he has become a key figure in the development of MSMEs, particularly ultra-micro businesses, in Indonesia.

"I want the younger generation to believe that no matter who they are or where they come from, there is always an opportunity for success. What matters is the determination to keep moving forward and give the best," concluded Arif.

With his spirit and dedication, Arif Rahman Hakim has proven that a bright future always awaits those who dare to dream and work hard.

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