Thousand Islands opens access to education for students through scholarships

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Thousand Islands Regency Government has opened up access to education for 128 university students from the archipelago through scholarships.

The Jakarta Future Students (MDJ) Scholarship programme is run by Baznas/Bazis Thousand Islands, the local branch of Indonesia’s National Zakat Agency.

“We appreciate Baznas/Bazis Thousand Islands’ commitment to opening access to higher education for the young people of the Thousand Islands,” Thousand Islands Regent Muhammad Fadjar Churniawan said in Jakarta on Friday.

He said education was a long-term investment in developing a skilled workforce and supporting regional development. Financial constraints often made it difficult to continue to university.

“That is why assistance funded by zakat, infaq and sadaqah is not merely financial support; it is a trust reflecting the community’s social concern, which must be safeguarded,” he said.

He said academic success should be measured not only by degrees, but also by how much the knowledge gained could benefit others.

“I hope that after graduating, you will return and contribute to the development of the Thousand Islands,” he said.

Meanwhile, DKI Jakarta Baznas/Bazis chairman Akhmad H. Abubakar said education was a strategic means of breaking the cycle of poverty between generations.

“Education shapes young people’s mindsets and resilience so they are ready to meet the challenges of the times. We hope this collaboration can have a tangible impact on improving the welfare of families on the islands,” he said.