Understanding the 2N+1 LPDP Scheme: the Tenure Rules of Awardees after Graduation

Illustration (lpdp.kemenkeu.go.id)

YOGYAKARTA - The LPDP 2N+1 service period has once again become a hot topic on social media following the controversy of Dwi Sasetyaningtyas (Tyas) and Arya Iwantoro. The public questions about Tyas and her husband who now live in England while both are LPDP scholarship recipients (LPDP Awardee).

Tyas emphasized that he had completed his 6-year service before living abroad. So, what is the actual LPDP service rule? After graduating, do LPDP awardees have to immediately settle in Indonesia? Is there a certain period of time before they are finally allowed to return abroad? This is where it is important to understand the LPDP 2N+1 scheme.

Knowing the 2N+1 LPDP scheme

LPDP scholarships are basically state investments to improve the quality of Indonesian human resources (HR). Therefore, each scholarship recipient not only receives financial benefits, but also carries moral and administrative responsibilities after completing their studies. The basic principle is simple, the knowledge obtained with state support is expected to return to the country.

The term 2N+1 refers to the previous service obligation, namely two times the study period plus one year, which is carried out consecutively in Indonesia. This means that if someone studies for two years, then he must return and contribute to Indonesia for five years. This scheme was created to ensure that state-funded education again benefits the country.

However, in the latest provisions, LPDP is now implementing the 2N scheme. This scheme stipulates that alumni must contribute and be physically in Indonesia at least twice during their studies. In other words, if the study period is two years, the minimum service obligation is four years.

The change from 2N+1 to 2N indicates an adjustment of policies to be more adaptive to global dynamics. However, the essence of the policy remains the same, namely the state hopes that alumni will return and build Indonesia. This scheme emphasizes the physical presence and real contribution, not just administrative status.

Then, during the 2N period, can alumni really not go abroad? Referring to its official website, LPDP still opens space for alumni who want to continue their studies or work abroad, as long as they meet the requirements and obtain permission in accordance with applicable rules.

For further studies, for example, a doctoral program (S3) abroad, alumni can still apply for permission. The process starts by reporting the completion of the study through the E-Beasiswa application. After that, alumni apply for permission to continue their studies through the available feature or through the LPDP assistance ticket.

The documents that need to be attached include a letter of statement of permission for further study in two languages, Letter of Acceptance (LoA) Unconditional and essays. The essay must explain the relevance of further study with the plan of contribution that was submitted when applying for the LPDP. This is to ensure continuity between the initial vision of the applicant and the next academic steps.

In addition to studies, alumni are also allowed to work abroad in the 2N service period. However, this is limited to certain conditions that have a direct relationship with the interests of the country. In this case, LPDP is not closed to global dynamics, as long as it remains within the framework of national contributions.

From here it can be seen that the 2N+1 LPDP policy and the latest 2N scheme are not rigid and trapping rules for awardees. This policy is designed to maintain a balance between the interests of the country and the dynamic global reality. The state needs contributions, but also understands the importance of international networks and experiences.

For prospective applicants, it is important from the beginning to understand the rules for the LPDP service period. By understanding these rules in full, prospective awardees can plan their academic and career futures without neglecting their commitment to the nation.

In the end, LPDP is a shared responsibility. The state provides trust and financial support, while the awardee returns knowledge, energy, and dedication. The 2N and 2N+1 schemes are in place to ensure that this commitment is carried out as it should be.

In addition to the discussion above, follow other interesting articles at VOI.ID. So as not to miss the latest news, follow and monitor our social media accounts!