DPR Proposes Exemption for Certain LPDP Scholarship Recipients to Work Abroad Without Return Obligation
Jakarta, VIVA – Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Commission XI, Mukhamad Misbakhun, has proposed that certain LPDP scholarship recipients be exempt from the obligation to return to Indonesia and allowed to work abroad after completing their studies.
He argued that such a policy should be considered for academic fields lacking sufficient local ecosystems and job opportunities.
Therefore, scholars in specific disciplines should be given the opportunity to work overseas to align with their expertise and development needs.
‘For highly advanced fields where Indonesia lacks both the discipline and corresponding job opportunities, there is no platform for their societal contribution. Grant them an exemption, allow them to contribute to global progress,’ Misbakhun said during a hearing with the Ministry of Finance’s BLU and Commission XI in Jakarta on Monday.
He cited robotics, coding, and biomolecular sciences as examples where exemptions should be granted so recipients can thrive in global innovation hubs.
‘Robotics, coding, biomolecular sciences, and similar fields must be exempted. We cannot treat all cases the same and insist everyone must return,’ he added.
Misbakhun views allowing these talents to work abroad as Indonesia’s contribution to global civilisational progress.
‘Just as Indonesian scholars were once educated by foreign scholarships without being required to serve the funding bodies, this is part of our contribution,’ he said.
However, Misbakhun supports LPDP’s efforts to strengthen nationalism and ideology among scholarship recipients, stressing the importance of fostering national character through collaboration with various stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Acting LPDP Director General Yon Arsal stated that LPDP is strengthening long-term national talent management in line with the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN).
He added that LPDP now focuses not only on sending scholars for education but also ensuring graduates are placed in strategic sectors needed by the country.