By Kevin Julio Purnomo )*
Education is the primary foundation for a nation’s progress. Amidst increasingly competitive global dynamics, the quality of human resources is a determining factor in winning economic, technological, and innovation competitions. Therefore, the government’s commitment to strengthening higher education, expanding access to scholarships, and increasing research capacity deserves appreciation as a strategic step in preparing Indonesia to become a developed nation. President Prabowo Subianto’s administration’s policy of placing doctoral scholarships and strengthening research funding as part of the national development agenda demonstrates a long-term focus on developing a superior generation capable of meeting future challenges.
This policy direction is evident in the government’s move, which, starting in 2026, will focus approximately 80 percent of LPDP scholarship recipients on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and various strategic industrial sectors. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa explained that the policy is designed to support national economic transformation by providing human resources with competencies that meet the needs of industrialization. Areas such as food, energy, health, digitalization, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, downstreaming, maritime, and advanced manufacturing are prioritized because they play a crucial role in determining Indonesia’s future competitiveness.
This step reflects a shift in development that no longer relies solely on the exploitation of natural resources, but rather on the nation’s ability to master science and technology. Countries with high levels of prosperity have generally succeeded in building robust higher education and research ecosystems, enabling them to generate sustainable innovation. Indonesia is now moving in a similar direction by strengthening investment in talent development through quality higher education.
Government policies also demonstrate a balance between strengthening science and developing national character. Purbaya emphasized that STEM development will be integrated with social sciences, humanities, arts, religion, and economics, or SHARE. This approach is highly relevant because technological progress cannot be separated from humanitarian values, ethics, culture, and sustainability. The integration of various disciplines will produce graduates who not only possess technical skills but also understand the social impact of each innovation developed.
The government’s commitment to improving education quality is also reflected in its utilization of the State Budget as a strategic instrument to strengthen science, technology, research, and talent-based industrialization. Purbaya emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities, research institutions, industry, and the government to ensure economic policies are truly based on science. Such collaboration is key to creating innovations that can be implemented effectively to increase national productivity.
Equally important, the sustainability of the scholarship program is assured through LPDP’s commitment. Amidst various government budget efficiency efforts, LPDP ensures that the scholarship program remains fully operational and has not experienced any reductions. LPDP President Director Yon Arsal explained that the scholarship funding comes from the management of the education endowment fund through investments, thus not relying on the operating budget, which is currently undergoing adjustments. Efficiency is only applied to the institution’s operational costs, while all investment proceeds continue to be channeled to support scholarship recipients.
This certainty provides optimism for students and prospective researchers preparing for further studies, particularly at the doctoral level. The sustainability of the scholarship program is crucial because doctoral education is a key instrument in enhancing national research capacity. The more doctors produced, the greater Indonesia’s opportunities to generate innovation, new technologies, and solutions to the various development challenges facing the nation.
Commitment to improving the quality of education is also evident at the regional level. For example, the Jakarta Provincial Government has allocated Rp 100 billion to fund Jakarta residents’ education abroad through a partnership with the LPDP (Lembaga Pension Fund for Higher Education). This program is an extension of the Jakarta Superior Student Card (KJMU), which has helped students from low-income families gain access to higher education.
This initiative demonstrates that human resource development is not solely the responsibility of the central government but also a strategic agenda for regional governments. Synergy between the central government, through the LPDP (Indonesian Development Institute for the Development of Indonesian Students), and regional governments will expand opportunities for Indonesia’s young generation to obtain the best education. The presence of various education financing schemes will accelerate the development of superior talent who will later contribute to national development.
A nation’s success is determined not only by the size of its physical development budget, but also by the quality of investment in its people. Doctoral scholarships and increased research funding are essential foundations for creating an advanced, independent, and globally competitive Indonesia. President Prabowo’s commitment to strengthening the quality of education through talent development and research is a commendable step, providing a clear direction for long-term development. With consistent policies and active participation from the education sector, Indonesia has a great opportunity to produce a generation of future leaders capable of leading the nation towards the vision of a Golden Indonesia 2045.
)* the author is a national education observer