Legislator: No issue with TNI involvement in LPDP as long as rules are not violated

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of the House of Representatives Commission XI, M. Hasanuddin Wahid, does not object to the involvement of the TNI in preparing prospective recipients of scholarships from the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP), as long as no rules are violated.

“If involving the TNI is done without breaching regulations and its function and purpose are effective in boosting patriotism among all our students and pupils, in my view, it’s perfectly fine,” said Hasanuddin Wahid when met at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday.

According to him, one of the values that needs to be instilled in LPDP scholarship recipients, especially those continuing their studies abroad, is the spirit of love for the homeland or patriotism.

Therefore, as long as the activity is supported by a rational background, clear objectives, and does not violate regulations, Hasanuddin assesses that there is no significant issue.

This legislator, who handles matters of finance and national development planning, also believes that the involvement of the TNI in LPDP preparation will not require a large budget.

“To create love for the homeland and nation, spending a budget is reasonable because the objective is clear, right, to enhance patriotism. Unless this is a frivolous activity, ineffective, just for the sectoral ego of one or two institutions, then we would consider it,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Air Force is providing training to prospective LPDP scholarship recipients at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in East Jakarta on Monday.

“The programme is attended by prospective scholarship recipients and LPDP scholarship recipients at the Master’s (S2) and Doctoral (S3) levels, both for domestic and overseas studies, as part of preparation before entering the study period,” I Nyoman told ANTARA.

This training programme is being held from Monday until Saturday (9/5). During the training, the Air Force provides materials related to strengthening mental readiness, discipline, leadership, love for the homeland, and character building.

“The material providers come from various government agencies, including personnel from Halim Air Base who are asked to fill in according to requests,” explained I Nyoman.

With this training, the Air Force hopes that LPDP scholarship recipients will have a high sense of love for the homeland so that the knowledge they acquire can be used for the progress of the nation.