May 26, 2026 | 07:19 am
Illustration of LPDP (Education Fund Management Institution). Shutterstock
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chairperson of Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Mukhamad Misbakhun, proposed that recipients of LPDP (Education Fund Management Institution) scholarships in certain majors be granted an exemption from the obligation to return and be allowed to work abroad after completing their studies.He believes this policy needs to be considered, especially for scientific fields that lack adequate ecosystems or job opportunities domestically.Therefore, awardees in certain fields should be given the opportunity to work abroad in accordance with their potential and the need for academic development."For example, for very advanced majors, those majors don't exist in Indonesia, and there are no job opportunities, and there are no forums for their community service. Give them an exemption, give them the opportunity to be part of progress globally," Misbakhun said during a Public Service Agency (BLU) Hearing (RDP) of the Ministry of Finance with Commission XI of the DPR RI in Jakarta on Monday, May 25, 2026.He cited fields such as robotics, coding, and biomolecular engineering as examples, which he believes deserve exemptions so awardees can develop in global innovation centers."For example, majors like robotics, coding, biomolecular engineering, and other similar majors, in my opinion, should be given exemptions. We can't, sir, we have to equalize everything; we have to return," he explained.Misbakhun views the opportunity to work abroad for these talents as Indonesia's contribution to the development of world civilization."It's similar to when intelligent Indonesians were sent to school on scholarships from foreign institutions without the foreign institutions ever requiring them to serve the donors, and that's part of our contribution," he said.Nevertheless, Misbakhun continues to support LPDP's efforts to strengthen the nationalism and ideology of its scholarship recipients. Strengthening national character is crucial for the younger generation of scholarship recipients through collaboration with various parties.Meanwhile, LPDP Acting President Director Yon Arsal stated that LPDP is currently strengthening long-term national talent management by referring to the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN).According to him, LPDP is now not only focused on sending scholarship recipients to pursue their education but also ensuring that graduates can be placed in strategic sectors needed by the country.LPDP has also collaborated with several universities and educational institutions to strengthen the placement of alumni into jobs relevant to their fields of study."So, we don't just focus on sending students to school, but also select graduates in majors desired by the government, with graduates destined for strategic fields. And, where possible, we also place them in positions where the country truly needs them," he explained.Read: Indonesian Air Force to Train LPDP Awardees in Marching DrillsClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
