Analyst Urges Clarity on Programme and Objectives of Involving TNI in LPDP

JAKARTA - Education analyst Indra Charismiadji believes the government needs to explain the purpose of involving the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in the preparation for recipients of scholarships from the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). He argues that the issue of TNI involvement cannot be simplified into black-and-white positions of agreement or rejection. “If the goal is to build discipline, integrity, mental resilience, and national awareness, there are certainly values from military traditions that can be learned. However, if this approach becomes dominant and turns into uniformity of thought, it poses a risk,” Indra stated when contacted on Tuesday (5/5/2026). In this context, the state has the right to ensure that scholarships funded by public money do not become personal facilities. LPDP is not an individual reward but a public investment, as scholarship recipients carry a moral mandate from Indonesian society. “LPDP recipients must understand that they are studying with public funds. Therefore, they do not just return with a degree but also with the responsibility to give back benefits to the nation,” Indra said. However, he warns that a military approach risks disrupting the space for freedom of thought in higher education. After all, students are trained to question, test ideas, criticise theories, and even challenge established norms. “If this (TNI) approach is too dominant, we could produce graduates who are obedient but lack criticality. Yet, the global academic world requires individuals capable of independent thinking,” Indra stated. He emphasised that TNI involvement is not for military purposes but for fostering discipline and love for the country. “LPDP includes further preparation from the TNI, not for war, but to strengthen their nationalism. Discipline is training in love for the country. We don’t want situations like before, where they go abroad and then badmouth their own country,” said Purbaya.