"I am concerned that those who have gained more knowledge (by studying) overseas sometimes forget that they are an Indonesian," Indrawati observed during a public lecture on "Economic Resilience in the Local, National, and Global Perspectives,” which was followed online from here on Thursday.
The recipients of the scholarship have the freedom to select their preferred study program at universities in Indonesia or overseas to gain new knowledge and experience based on their interests, she expounded.
Hence, they are expected to return to Indonesia and utilize their knowledge to open the horizons for the nation's future generations and nurture future leaders, the minister said.
In 2022, of the 5,664 students who were awarded the LPDP scholarship, 4,837 pursued masters programs and 827 got into doctoral programs.
Meanwhile, at least 2,716 students were enrolled in Indonesian universities, 2,743 students at overseas universities, and another 205 students participated in affirmative action for Papuan students.
According to Indrawati, since 2013, a total of 35,536 Indonesian students have received the LPDP scholarship, including 18,672 recipients from the general group, 8,569 recipients from the affirmative action group, and 8,295 recipients from the targeted groups.
"Of the 35 thousand students who are enrolled (in schools), some 18 thousand have (graduated and become) alumni," the minister said.
She added that the scholarship is funded through endowment funds for the education sector, which are valued at Rp120 trillion (US$7.68 billion) and this reflects the use of the state budget to bolster the quality of Indonesia’s human resources.
Related news: Minister urges regional youths to avail specialty doctor scholarship
Related news: Indonesia to obtain additional scholarship quota from Al-Azhar
Related news: Vice President launches 2022 Baznas Santri Scholarship
Translator: Agatha Olivia V, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
