“Trying, Failing, and Learning Are All Part of the Growing Process.”

A Story of Theofilus Arifin, Bangkit 2023 Batch 1 Graduate from Informatics Engineering, Universitas Surabaya

What does it take to turn a quiet love for numbers into a career that impacts millions across languages and borders? For Theofilus Arifin (23), the answer was a mix of persistence, purpose, and one life-changing program.

From his school days in Surabaya to building intelligent tools in a cutting-edge AI startup, Theo’s journey shows how curiosity, when paired with the right opportunities, can shape a future in technology. Before he was crafting multilingual AI assistants, he was simply a math-loving student who followed his interests into code. Then came Bangkit, and everything accelerated.

A Love for Math Became Theo’s Gateway to Technology

Born in Surabaya, Theo grew up in a family that valued hard work, prayer, and persistence over instant success. His parents, a small business owner and a homemaker who also helped run the family business, instilled in him the importance of living with integrity and contributing meaningfully to society. Their guidance, that he need not become anyone in particular, as long as he gave his best in whatever path he chose, gave him the freedom and confidence to pursue his interests wholeheartedly.

That interest crystallized in high school, where Theo’s affinity for math led him to explore coding. By the time artificial intelligence (AI) began gaining traction in 2020, he was already immersed in the field. Choosing to major in Informatics Engineering at Universitas Surabaya, he was drawn to the program’s AI specialization. It wasn’t long before he heard about Bangkit, through a friend and later via LinkedIn and the Kampus Merdeka platform, and saw it as a golden opportunity.

Theo's Bangkit Experience Led to Innovation and Incubation Funding

Theo enrolled in Bangkit 2023 under the Machine Learning path, which aligned perfectly with his academic and personal interests. What attracted him most was the chance to learn from industry professionals and access a curriculum developed by Google, GoTo, and Traveloka experts.

“The experience was intense but enriching. The materials were dense, and the schedule was tight, especially since I juggled college and other responsibilities. But I learned to manage my time better and stay disciplined,” Theo recalls.

The capstone project was one of the most memorable aspects of his Bangkit journey. Tasked with developing a real-world solution as a team, Theo and his peers built an AI-powered application to support Javanese language learning. The project was a success and received incubation funding from Google and the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, an acknowledgment that validated both their efforts and the impact potential of their work.

Grow as a Professional After Bangkit

Bangkit offered more than just hard skills. Theo credits the program with enhancing his teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities. “It’s more than just learning to code. You learn how to build something with people from different backgrounds, communicate your ideas, and pivot when things don’t go as planned.”

His Bangkit journey also equipped him with tangible assets for his career: a standout portfolio and valuable networking opportunities with fellow digital talents across Indonesia. So, when Theo entered the job market, these experiences proved invaluable.

“During interviews, I could confidently speak about the capstone project, what we built, how we collaborated, and how we overcame challenges. It wasn’t just theory; I had hands-on experience building something from scratch.”

Becoming an AI Engineer at Ajari Technologies

Today, Theo is an AI Engineer at Ajari Technologies, an education-focused startup developing innovative tools to enhance learning outcomes. His primary responsibility involves developing the AI Assistant, an intelligent feature designed to cater to multiple stakeholders in the educational ecosystem: students, teachers, schools, parents, and even governments.

What sets the AI Assistant apart is its adaptability. Able to understand and respond in 68 languages, the assistant can tailor its answers contextually, ensuring relevance for each user group across diverse geographies.

“We don’t just build tech for the sake of it. We’re building tools that understand users and improve the learning experience in meaningful ways,” Theo emphasizes.

Interestingly, many of the principles he applies at Ajari Technologies were honed during his Bangkit capstone project. From understanding user needs to structuring an adaptive learning experience, Bangkit prepared him to think deeply about how AI can support, not replace, human learning.

His knowledge of Natural Language Processing (NLP), gained through Bangkit’s intensive courses, now plays a pivotal role in his daily work. “It helps me develop systems that interpret context, nuance, and intent. It’s the key to making the AI Assistant genuinely useful,” he explains.

Inspiring the Next Generation of AI Talents

As a Bangkit graduate who has successfully launched an AI career, Theo wants to encourage aspiring AI enthusiasts not to be afraid of making mistakes.

“Trying, failing, and learning are all part of the process. What matters is your willingness to keep going and collaborate with others who share your passion,” he said.

He also emphasizes the importance of community and networking, something Bangkit offers in abundance. “Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who are just as driven and curious as you makes a huge difference. It opens doors you didn’t even know existed.”

More stories about Bangkit Alum and Cohort:

1. Alfi Zahra Hafizhah - How Bangkit Guided Zahra from University to the Fintech Industry
2. Zulfikar Pramadhana - “Before You Can Thrive as a Tech Talent, It’s Important to Master the Basics”
3. Aulia Nurrahma Rosanti P - Thriving as a Female Tech Talent in a Leading State-Owned Bank