Sri Mulyani: The Government Gives LPDP Scholarships So That Santri Can Go To Schools Up To S2 And S3

Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani. (Photo: Setkab)

JAKARTA - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said the government is very concerned about the development of human resources (HR) in educational institutions, including in Islamic boarding schools. These efforts are made through investment in special education for students.

"We also continue to improve the capacity and role of the students through investment in education. Among other things the government has built a scholarship from the Education Fund Management Institute (LPDP) specifically for santri," he said, during the ISEF webinar on the celebration of National Santri Day, Thursday, October 22.

Sri Mulyani said that as of 2019 there were 293 students who had taken advantage of the scholarship program provided by the government. Especially at the master's (S2) or doctoral (S3) level.

"Apart from studying at universities in Indonesia, they also study in Australia, England, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United States," he said.

The state treasurer hopes that the support provided by the government can increase the competitiveness of human resources in the scope of Islamic boarding schools. Given that middle income countries, such as Indonesia, are still faced with the problem of the low competency of existing human resources.

"It is hoped that the various elements of students and Islamic boarding schools can realize the acceleration of the people's economy. Especially in the midst of a pandemic which has many negative impacts on the socio-economic conditions of our society," he said.

Sri Mulyani gave a message to the students to stay healthy and have a big soul and heart. "Having knowledge and noble character and being able to make a big contribution to the progress of the Indonesian nation," he said.

Previously, Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati together with Minister of Religion Lukman Hakim Saifuddin launched the provision of Santri Scholarships through the Education Fund Management Institute (LPDP). The scholarships are given to improve the quality of Human Resources (HR) through the LPDP.

The target of this scholarship program is the Alumni of the Santri Achievement Scholarship Program (ABPS) who, at the time of registering, were active in the development of Islamic boarding schools for at least the last three years. In addition, the Islamic boarding school where prospective scholarship recipients are from must be registered Islamic boarding schools listed by the Ministry of Religion.

Meanwhile, the minimum Cumulative Achievement Index (GPA) requirement from previous education is 2.75 (there is LoA) or 3 (without LoA) for the master level, and 3 (there is LoA) or 3.25 (without LoA) for the doctoral level.

The age requirement is looser than other scholarship requirements, namely a maximum age of 42 years for the master level and 47 years for the doctoral level.