JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo has called on LPDP Scholarship awardees overseas to promote tourism and investment in Indonesia.
The LPDP Scholarship is the government’s Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education program which offers a full-ride scholarship to selected premier overseas universities to its citizens.
Jokowi’s objective with the demand is for the awardees to show how peaceful and tolerant the Southeast Asian nation is to foreigners during their study.
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“Show that Indonesia is peaceful and united, is tolerant, and always respecting its Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) motto.”
“Promote Indonesia to international society so that they travel and invest in Indonesia, which will be beneficial for our country’s future.”
Jokowi explained that LPDP Scholarship awardees possess a golden opportunity to build a network that would prepare them to face the various changes of the future.
According to the Indonesian President, disruptions across all aspects of life continue to happen from automation, artificial intelligence, big data, and more.
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These disruptions affect not only the economic landscape, but that on the social, political, and cultural levels.
As such, Jokowi called on the newest LPDP Scholarship awardees to use this opportunity to gain new knowledge and insights.
Furthermore, Jokowi reminded the scholarship recipients to use their time overseas to strengthen and improve their character, talent, and skills.
Being a student opens the gateway to improve leadership and managerial skills that will bode well after graduating.
Aside from reminding the scholarship recipients to advocate tourism and investment in Indonesia, President Joko Widodo also outlined the importance of building up the students' patriotism, humanity, and Indonesian character.
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“Today, some of us present here come from various areas across Indonesia, from different religions and ethnicities, but together, we are all brothers and sisters of the same homeland, Indonesia.”
He encouraged the LPDP Scholarship awardees to continue learning and hurry in completing their studies so that they return to build Indonesia.
“Stay enthusiastic in your pursuit of knowledge, maintain your health, and return home as soon as possible when you finish your studies. Together we can shape a more resilient Indonesia for the future.”
(Writer: Fitria Chusna Farisa | Editor: Kristian Erdianto)
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