The collaboration was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir and Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto in Jakarta on Friday.
"Today we reached a deal that can provide a solution for our athletes (in universities)," Thohir told the press after the MoU signing.
He explained that the collaboration includes utilizing the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) scholarships for athletes. Under the updated policy, these scholarships are now available for studies both abroad and within the country.
Furthermore, the partnership involves the utilization of sports facilities in synergy with universities, the advancement of sports science and research, and cooperation in organizing competitions such as the National Student Sports Week (Pomnas).
He noted that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology holds the primary organizing role of Pomnas, while his ministry provides support by maintaining competition standards.
The minister expressed hope that with the collaboration, university sports clubs will maximize the use of facilities built by both the central and regional governments.
Thohir expressed his gratitude to Minister Yuliarto for the partnership, noting that it demonstrates how youth and sports development receives broad support across various ministries.
This move, he said, aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's directive for ministries to synergize in enhancing public services and achieving maximum results from programs being implemented.
Meanwhile, Yuliarto expressed his commitment to fostering a sports culture within higher education to cultivate a generation that leads a healthy lifestyle and can perform at its full potential.
He affirmed that universities have continued to contribute to producing top-tier athletes.
According to him, one of the tasks given under the cooperation is revitalizing sports-related research and development within universities.
In this regard, he stated that he would encourage lecturers, researchers, and professors to conduct research related to sports science and sports management that can be used as a reference by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The minister further said that universities can also manage sports facilities to ensure they continue to operate and provide benefits, such as those previously established for the National Sports Week (PON).
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Translator: Aloysius Lewokeda, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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