Minister of Higher Education Explains TNI Involvement in LPDP Scholarship Orientation
Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto has explained the rationale behind involving the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in the orientation for LPDP scholarship recipients. According to Brian, the TNI-led orientation for prospective master’s and doctoral students is designed to ensure participants are prepared for studies both domestically and abroad.
The activity also aims to instil discipline, hard work, and national values among the scholarship recipients from the state. Brian dismissed notions that the orientation would be entirely conducted by the TNI.
“The main point is that LPDP requires elements of discipline, hard work, and nationalism. So that when they study later, they have the spirit, and upon returning to Indonesia, they can provide the best contribution to our nation,” said Brian when met on the sidelines of his activities in Jakarta on Saturday, 2 May 2026.
Brian has not yet detailed who will deliver the materials or what they will cover in the orientation. He only stated that it will be filled by experienced individuals. They will share outlines of what student life will be like. “So it’s preparation so that they don’t experience culture shock and such later. Including matters of discipline and strengthening nationalism,” he explained.
Based on the event letter received by Tempo, the orientation will take place from 4 to 9 May 2026 at the Marshal Sukardi Building, Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base. Some materials in the agenda are said to be delivered by the TNI.
A total of 206 participants are scheduled to attend the event. They consist of recipients of master’s and doctoral programme scholarships, both for domestic and overseas studies. The entire series of activities is mandatory before participants begin their lectures.
The letter states that the orientation aims to strengthen mindset patterns, independence, instil noble national values, strengthen nationalism, and internalise LPDP values and culture.
The policy has drawn objections from several scholarship recipients. One participant, who declined to be named, questioned the TNI’s involvement in delivering materials.
According to him, participants were informed they would stay in tents during the event and be limited to using mobile phones for only one hour per day. “I got info that we will stay in tents, and we won’t be allowed to hold handphones during the event. Only allowed to hold handphones one hour a day. Almost everyone is questioning, what’s the point?” he said.