Former Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Satryo\nSoemantri Brodjonegoro, said that recipients of the Lembaga Pengelola\nDana Pendidikan (LPDP) scholarship are still allowed to develop their\ncareers abroad after graduating. However, he reminded that there is one\nnon-negotiable requirement: they must not change their citizenship.<\/p>\n
This statement was made by Satryo in response to the polemic\nsurrounding LPDP recipients, which has been in the public spotlight\nafter it was revealed that his son holds a British passport. According\nto him, extending the period of stay abroad is not a violation, as long\nas it is done with the permission of LPDP and the recipient remains an\nIndonesian citizen. \u201cIf they change their citizenship, that is clearly a\nviolation,\u201d said Satryo when contacted on Tuesday, February 24,\n2026.<\/p>\n
He explained that from the beginning, he encouraged LPDP graduates\nnot to rush back to Indonesia, especially if their field of expertise is\nnot yet supported by adequate industry or research facilities in the\ncountry. In such situations, additional experience, such as postdoctoral\nstudies or training at reputable international companies, can actually\nstrengthen their capabilities.<\/p>\n
According to Satryo, this approach does not mean allowing awardees to\nsettle permanently abroad. LPDP, he said, still has a mechanism for\ngranting permits and monitoring. Scholarship recipients who wish to\nextend their stay must report, submit a plan of activities, and explain\nthe duration and benefits. \u201cLPDP can grant permission if it is clear\nwhere and for how long they will continue,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He argued that global experience can actually enhance Indonesia\u2019s\nreputation if the scholarship recipients excel on the international\nstage. He even mentioned the possibility of major achievements, such as\nscientific discoveries or prestigious awards, as long as their national\nidentity is maintained. \u201cThe important thing is that they remain\nIndonesian citizens,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Satryo also believes that LPDP\u2019s regulations have not been too rigid\nso far. Flexibility is already available through the official permit\nmechanism. According to him, the clear limit is the change of\ncitizenship, because it contradicts the basic commitment of scholarship\nrecipients.<\/p>\n
Thus, he clearly distinguishes between developing a career abroad,\nwhich is permissible, and a violation in the form of relinquishing\nIndonesian citizenship.<\/p>\n
Editor\u2019s Choice: Contribution of LPDP Alumni: Return or Network?<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/former-higher-education-minister-speaks-on-lpdp-alumni-working-abroad-1772008096", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }