Billy Mambrasar Withdraws from LPDP Scholarship, Choose Independent Study to Keep Building RI

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - Economist and public policy researcher Billy Mambrasar stated that he had officially resigned from the LPDP scholarship program since 2025 and stopped receiving state funding since 2024.

Billy explained that the decision was made consciously so that he could stay in Indonesia and focus on directly contributing to national development.

He hopes that the allocation of scholarships that was previously his right can be transferred to other Indonesian children who are considered to need more opportunities to study abroad.

Currently, Billy is listed as a member of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of the Development of Special Autonomy for Papua as well as a researcher at the ASEAN Studies Center and the Batam State Polytechnic Competitiveness Center.

He emphasized that the LPDP fund is a public fund sourced from the people's taxes and managed as an education endowment fund, so its use must be targeted.

"Education has changed my life and my family's life. Therefore, I want the same opportunity to be enjoyed by other children of the nation who are weaving their dreams," said Billy.

Billy ensured that he would continue his doctoral studies in economics at the University of Buckingham with self-financing without burdening the state budget.

He also emphasized his commitment to continue to contribute to Indonesia through research, government service, and social activities.

"I promise to continue working for this country. Even though as a Papuan child I have many reasons to be disappointed, I still choose to love Indonesia," he said.