DPR Member Warns That Involvement of TNI in LPDP Must Be Careful, Do Not Shift Education Objectives
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Lalu Hadrian Irfani, has reminded that the involvement of the TNI in providing training for LPDP scholarship recipients must be carefully examined and should not shift the main objective of education.
“In terms of substance, the plan to involve the TNI in the LPDP programme needs to be viewed very carefully,” said Lalu Hadrian when contacted on Monday (4/5/2026).
He emphasised that LPDP is fundamentally an educational funding instrument oriented towards improving the quality of civilian human resources (HR) through scholarships, research, and scientific development.
“If the involvement of the TNI is intended in the context of strengthening certain capacities, such as discipline, leadership, or support for strategic fields like defence, it can still be understood as long as the proportions are clear and it does not shift LPDP’s main objectives,” he said.
Lalu Hadrian also warned against overlapping roles between institutions in implementing the policy.
The politician from the National Awakening Party added that policies related to LPDP must still prioritise principles of professionalism and inclusivity in line with the functions of each institution.
“Nevertheless, the principle that must be maintained is that education policies remain oriented towards professionalism, inclusivity, and in accordance with the functions of each institution,” he said.
Previously reported, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that the involvement of the TNI in LPDP training aims to strengthen nationalism and build the character of scholarship recipients.
“There is further training for LPDP from the TNI, not for war, but to train and strengthen their sense of nationalism. Discipline is training love for the country. Don’t let it happen like before, when they go abroad and then disparage their own country,” said Purbaya.
He emphasised that TNI involvement is not for military purposes, but for fostering discipline and love for the country.
In addition, the government also plans to direct LPDP recipients to take up more studies relevant to development needs, especially in science and technology.
“Yes, that’s fine, it’s an investment. If we add a little. It’s not much, surely. Compared to the cost of them studying abroad for years. And if they don’t return, the loss is great,” he said.
For information, the training for LPDP recipients involving the Air Force has been held through the Departure Preparation programme at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, from 4-9 May 2026.