Irwanto was a student of Indonesian Literature Program Study at Sebelas Maret University (UNS), entering the class of 2008. He chose the Indonesian Literature Program due to his passion for the world of language, literature, and culture. He improved his proficiency in rhetoric, journalistic writing, and academic writing through various courses in the Indonesian Literature program at UNS. He expressed his interests and talents into achievements through participation in academic, journalistic, and content creation competitions. Throughout his time as a student in the Indonesian Literature program at UNS, he had emerged victorious in more than 30 competitions at the local, national, and international levels. Irwanto exemplified the independence of Indonesian Literature students at UNS. Indeed, while serving as the head of a student organization, he managed to balance his responsibilities by participating in various competitions while still dedicating his free time to work as a professional journalist at Persada FM. His outstanding achievements reached its pinnacle when he was recognized as the Outstanding Student of the Faculty of Humanities and UNS itself in 2011. He also held the title of Language Ambassador (Duta Bahasa) for Central Java in 2011, Delegate for the Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS), and achieved success in student exchange programs, among other accomplishments. With plenty of achievements during his time as a student in the Indonesian Literature program at UNS, Irwanto was frequently invited to serve as a speaker, moderator, and presenter on topics ranging from public rhetoric, content creation, academic work, journalism, to motivational talks on achieving success, both at the local and national levels.
One of Irwanto’s favorite courses was Literary Sociology. He appreciates the fundamental concepts of Pierre Bourdieu’s Literary Theory, particularly those related to the social field, habitus, practices, modes, strategies and positions, doxa, and trajectories. Those materials are highly relevant for a journalist, especially a content creator who delves into biographies. Proficient in public rhetoric and dissecting biographies, Irwanto has successfully produced more than 300 episodes of inspirational conversations with various figures, including literary figures, cultural experts, academics, officials, and others. In recent years, he has achieved the 2nd and 3rd places in the field of journalism/broadcasting for radio and TV at the Central Java KPID Awards in 2022, 2019, and 2018.
Irwanto’s proficiency in the fields of public rhetoric, journalism, and creative team management (content creation) continues to be acknowledged by various parties. He frequently serves as a speaker at youth forums, ministries, and other communities. A particularly proud moment for him was when he had the opportunity to elucidate the strength of Indonesia’s communal spirit in disaster management at a United Nations forum in 2021 and other international forums in 2023.