Anwar Hafid's Programme Offering Scholarships from Undergraduate to Doctoral Level in Central Sulawesi Becomes Inspiration for Other Regions

Jakarta, VIVA – The move by Central Sulawesi Governor Anwar Hafid to expand access to education through the Berani Cerdas programme has opened opportunities for residents to pursue studies up to doctoral level.

With a budget of Rp 351 billion, the programme forms part of efforts to equalise education whilst strengthening human resources, and could be emulated by other provinces across the country.

The Berani Cerdas programme launched by Central Sulawesi Governor Anwar Hafid not only widens access and equity in education up to doctoral level, but can also serve as a model for other regions in strengthening human resource development through educational support tailored to community needs.

Ujang Komarudin, a political analyst at Al-Azhar University Indonesia (UAI), considers the education policy implemented by Anwar Hafid worthy of being an example for other regional governments. He noted that each region indeed has different scholarship schemes according to their respective capacities and policies.

“Yes, it can certainly serve as a role model or example in other regions or provinces. But scholarship schemes in other regions do vary considerably,” said Ujang.

He added that the policy demonstrates the regional head’s commitment to improving the quality of local human resources. Beyond opening up opportunities for residents to attend university, it can also raise the quality of the region’s population in the long term.

“I see this as a form of care from Anwar Hafid to equalise education in his region. By providing scholarships from undergraduate to doctoral level, it reflects that Anwar Hafid wishes to uplift the dignity of the people of Central Sulawesi,” he said.

Berani Cerdas is a Central Sulawesi provincial government programme providing educational cost assistance to improve access, equity, and the quality of education for both school pupils and university students. The programme allocates a budget of Rp 351 billion, covering assistance for pupils, students from undergraduate to doctoral level, specialist medical education, as well as teaching staff and teachers.

He went on to say that attention to ordinary citizens is one of the programme’s important aspects, as higher education remains a challenge for some residents. He also highlighted the provision of scholarships up to doctoral level, which he considered relatively rare among regional governments.