Purbaya Unfazed by Budget for TNI Training at LPDP: It's an Investment!

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has acknowledged that the briefing in preparation for departure for LPDP scholarship recipients by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) will increase the budget expenditure.

However, he explained that this additional budget would serve as an investment for the nation to cultivate a love for the homeland among the scholarship recipients.

“It’s an investment. If it adds a little, it’s not much compared to the cost of them studying abroad for years. And if they don’t return, the loss is significant for me. It’s better to add a small investment,” Purbaya stated to reporters, as quoted on Tuesday (5/5/2026).

Purbaya also stressed that the additional budget for the TNI briefing for LPDP participants is not substantial. According to him, the amount is relatively small.

“It’s with the military, with the TNI, so the cost isn’t the commercial private sector price, right. The cost is sufficient, but not excessive,” he said.

The former LPS chief refuted claims that the TNI’s involvement in the Departure Preparation (PK) activities for LPDP scholarship recipients has military objectives. According to him, the TNI briefing is intended to strengthen the discipline and nationalism of the LPDP scholarship recipients. Physical exercises such as push-ups and sit-ups are part of building discipline.

“LPDP has further briefing from the TNI, not for war but to train and strengthen their sense of nationalism. Usually, sit-ups and push-ups are about discipline, which is actually training in love for the country. Discipline is love for the nation,” said Purbaya.