Anies Remembers Yahya Muhaimin's Kindness While Studying In The US: Not Just Once, But Many Times He Was Sent 100 Dollars

DKI Governor Anies Baswedan (Photo via Facebook Anies Baswedan)

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has deep memories with the former Minister of Education, Yahya Muhaimin. The memory occurred when Anies was studying for a doctoral program in the United States in 1999.

At that time Anies lived in an apartment near the University of Maryland. And Yahya Muhaimin is an educational attache in Washington DC. Anies was asked by Yahya to move into his house instead of having to pay rent every month.

"Anies, instead of being alone, you pay the rent, just move here; there's a room upstairs. It's always empty," said Pak Yahya Muhaimin as written on Anies Baswedan's Facebook account, seen by the editor, Thursday 10 February.

Long story short, Anies finally followed Yahya's advice and moved residence. Anies occupies the top floor of his home in an upscale area of Bethesda, Maryland.

"After staying at his house, we discussed almost every night. Learned a lot from this very kind scholar," he wrote.

We believe, God willing, Allahyarham Pak Yahya will be glorified by His side, reward will flow to him endlessly through his immense knowledge and good deeds… We are all witnesses. Allahummaghfirlahu warhamhu wa'afihi wa'fuanhu. pic.twitter.com/yGt2oSDELD

— Anies Rasyid Baswedan | Already #VaksinDulu (@aniesbaswedan) February 10, 2022

The story continues when Anies is already a doctoral student in Illinois. Anies has also moved from Yahya's house.

"One afternoon, after returning from campus, there was an envelope in the mailbox. The sender's name was written, Yahya Muhaimin. When opened, it only contained a 100 dollar bill in a folded HVS paper. There was no writing. Only a note,"

"I immediately called Pak Yahya. He laughed and said, "I remembered you yesterday, maybe you were having a hard time. Doctoral studies are hard, especially if you have children, you always lack money. It's not just once but many times. Every time he sends an envelope without a word, containing a 100 dollar bill. That money for us, whose scholarships are very mediocre, feels extraordinarily valuable," he continued.