Rethinking LPDP’s Service Commitment: Building National Synergy, Strengthening Global Collaboration

As global education and employment evolve, Indonesia’s LPDP scholarship program is reassessing its 2N+1 policy requiring scholars to return and serve domestically. IIER convened stakeholders to rethink a service model aligning national interest with global opportunity.

1. Reformer Talk #1: Asa Bangsa di Perantauan (Hopes of a Nation Abroad)

   On March 16, 2025, an online event brought together 170 participants—including government officials, alumni, researchers, and students—to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding LPDP’s service policy. The dialogue focused on addressing structural barriers, improving coordination among sectors, and leveraging the global diaspora to enhance Indonesia’s talent development strategy.

   Panelists:

   • Dwi Larso - Director of Scholarship, Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP)

   • Nisa Felicia - Executive Director of Pusat Studi Pendidikan dan Kebijakan (PSPK)

   • Fathia Fairuza - LPDP Alumni from Columbia University

   • Habib Andrianus - LPDP Awardee from National University of Singapore

   
   Key points:

   • Alumni face difficulties finding suitable roles; a grace period for phased reintegration was proposed.

   • Cross-sector coordination among ministries, universities, and private sector is needed.

   • Indonesian scholars abroad are a strategic asset but underrepresented globally.

   • Domestic systems must improve to accommodate skilled returnees.

2. Reformer Workshop #1: How Should Education Respond to #KaburAjaDulu?

   On March 23, 2025, an online workshop with 60 participants—including educators, researchers, and practitioners—collaborated to develop policy recommendations. The focus was on improving education, strengthening the economy, and enhancing social mobility to better support LPDP scholarship recipients and Indonesia’s talent ecosystem.

   Keynote speakers:

   • Riris Silalahi - LPDP Alumni from Harvard University

   • Nathanael Pribady - LPDP Awardee from Columbia University

   Outcomes:

   • Education: Leverage global exchange and funding; create legal frameworks for remote contributions; map alumni impact.

   • Economy: Address skill mismatches; support growth sectors via public-private partnerships; foster community-based service with MSMEs.

   • Social Mobility: Provide regional incentives; align LPDP with local needs; improve alumni tracking and post-return programs.

About IIER
The Indonesian Institute for Education Reform (IIER) is an independent research organization dedicated to policy reform and educational ecosystem development in Indonesia.
Website: educationreform.id
Email: educationreform.id@gmail.com
Instagram: @educationreform_id