Observer: LPDP Is a State Instrument to Improve Human Resource Quality

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Labour observer and Coordinator of Advocacy at BPJS Watch, Timboel Siregar, has assessed that scholarships from the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) represent one of the state’s key instruments for improving the quality of human resources.

“LPDP is a government instrument for improving human resources, so that when recipients return to the country, they can enhance added value and have an impact on industry and society,” Timboel said when contacted in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He further stressed the importance of the government, as the scholarship provider, conducting a more rigorous selection process and demanding strong commitment from prospective recipients.

“It’s about the spirit of serving the Indonesian nation. So indeed, a stricter selection process is essential,” Timboel said.

However, he also highlighted the government’s role in creating job opportunities and providing domestic research support for scholarship recipients who have completed their studies abroad and returned to Indonesia.

This, he continued, would enable scholarship recipients to immediately deliver impact from their education, in line with the mission to advance Indonesian industry, knowledge and the economy.

“The government must also consider this, so that what has been studied can be developed and its quality improved in Indonesia, making the country more advanced — for instance in its industry, manufacturing development, and other areas,” Timboel said.

Previously, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa reminded all LPDP scholarship recipients that the funds used for their studies come from the people’s taxes.

Purbaya made the statement in response to a controversy surrounding an LPDP alumnus with the initials DS, which went viral on social media.

DS’s social media posts drew scrutiny as they were deemed to disparage the value of an Indonesian passport and were considered to show a lack of pride in Indonesian citizenship.

The Finance Minister expressed regret over the alleged misuse of facilities and attitudes deemed inconsistent with the objectives of the scholarship programme.

The government, he continued, will enforce existing regulations to ensure that scholarship recipients fulfil all their obligations to LPDP.