Zita Finnesha Kinayang, a student of the Dentist Profession Education Program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), successfully earned the title of 1st Runner-Up Diajeng Sleman 2025. Grand final was held on May 9, 2025, at the Performance Hall of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY).
Zita, a 78th cohort professional program student from Sleman, shared that her participation in this event was driven by her desire to contribute more broadly. “I don’t want to only be a dentist confined to the clinic. My life feels more meaningful when I can balance academics, arts, organizations, and community service,” she said on Sunday, May 11, 2025.
She had long aspired to become a Diajeng, but due to academic demands and self-doubt, she only pursued it in her final year of eligibility. “I don’t want to regret not trying. If it doesn’t scare you, it’s probably not worth doing,” she reflected..”
The Dimas Diajeng Sleman selection process began in January 2025, starting with administrative screening, written tests, and interviews. After being chosen among the Top 15 finalists, participants underwent intensive training sessions covering tourism, personal branding, well grooming,and local culture. Zita admitted that every stage was memorable, particularly because, as a dentistry student, she had little prior knowledge of tourism. “I learned so many new things from fellow finalists who came from various academic backgrounds,” she said.
Ahead of the grand final, Zita’s biggest challenge was managing her time between intensive training and a demanding clinical (koas) schedule. Nonetheless, she managed both successfully thanks to the strong support of her peers who assisted during clinical rotations. Interestingly, Zita also raised oral health issues during the interview session. She proposed that tourism events could serve as platforms for dental health promotion, for example by providing dental screening services at large events such as the Sleman Temple Run. “We even received insights from dentists and had the chance to meet FKG UGM alumni,” she added.
For Zita, the Diajeng title is not just about recognition, but a responsibility to embody the values of youth who are educated, socially conscious, and of strong character. “I want to be a role model who brings pride to both Dimas Diajeng Sleman and FKG UGM,” she affirmed. She also aspires to develop Sleman’s potential as a medical tourism destination, particularly in dental health services. According to her, the Dental and Oral Hospital could play a greater role in promoting such services with enhanced quality and stronger branding.
After officially being named Diajeng Sleman, she plans to initiate a spiritual community in Sleman that leverages local tourist attractions for activities such as discussions, meditation, and yoga. She also envisions a spiritually themed tourism village as an alternative form of peaceful travel.
Zita’s achievement came amid her busy clinical program, proving that dental students can also make an impact beyond campus by carrying forward both social missions and health education. To her fellow students, she shared an inspiring message: “The best way to be grateful for the talents God has given us is to develop them into benefits for others.”
Author: Fajar Budi Harsakti
