Tito Reports Prabowo, Says 56 Papuan Students Have Not Received Rp37 Billion in Scholarships

Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Tito Karnavian (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian revealed that 56 Papuan students studying abroad have not received scholarship payments from their local governments. The total outstanding arrears reach IDR 37 billion, which should be covered by the Papua and Papua Highlands Provincial Governments.

"Our data shows that 56 students have not completed their studies, have not been paid, and are often late in receiving payments from the local government. The total is actually IDR 37 billion, primarily from the Papua and Papua Highlands Provincial Governments," Tito said after reporting to President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday, November 24.

In total, there are more than 300 Papuan scholarship recipients studying in various countries, from the United States to Australia. Tito emphasized that these late payments must not be allowed to continue, as they directly impact the continuation of their studies.

To avoid a recurrence of the problem, Tito proposed that the remaining funding for the students' studies be taken over by the central government through the Education Fund Management Institute (LPDP). This proposal came after repeated delays from local governments.

"I see that rather than being complex, slow, and a pity that it can't be postponed, my suggestion is that the Minister of Finance take over the funding through the LPDP," he said.

Tito's proposal was ultimately approved by President Prabowo Subianto. He ensured that all student data would be immediately submitted to Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono for further processing.

"The president's order is approved; these 37 students will be taken over by LPDP. I will immediately submit the data to the Minister of Finance and Minister of Foreign Affairs," Tito concluded.