Jakarta – The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) has officially launched the Garuda Scholarship program for outstanding students across Indonesia. This program offers a golden opportunity for high school and Madrasah Aliyah graduates to pursue undergraduate (S1) studies at top 100 world-ranked universities abroad.
The program was launched in a hybrid event at the Kemendiktisaintek Building D, attended by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Stella Christie, along with officials from the Directorate General of Higher Education. The Garuda Scholarship is funded by the endowment fund managed by the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) and is part of the fourth pillar of the President and Vice President’s Asta Cita agenda, which focuses on strengthening the development of human resources, science, technology, and national education.
“The Garuda Scholarship provides opportunities for excellent students with strong competencies to study at the world’s best universities. This isn’t just about free education—it’s about shaping future leaders who can transfer knowledge and technology back to Indonesia,” said Deputy Minister Stella Christie.
This program is designed not only to nurture future scientists but also to foster drivers of science and technology dissemination who can help address national development challenges. Its main target is to produce high-caliber human resources with both academic and professional competence, as well as globally recognized certifications.
Director General of Science and Technology, Ahmad Najib Burhani, emphasized the importance of the program in building domestic research and innovation independence.
“Most of Indonesia’s patents still rely on collaboration with foreign human resources. Through the Garuda Scholarship, we aim to build a stronger science and technology ecosystem within the country,” he stated.
Secretary of the Directorate General of Science and Technology, Samsuri, added that the program also targets students from underprivileged families to ensure equitable access to quality higher education.
“We’re not only seeking high-achieving students, but also those with a strong spirit and commitment to contribute meaningfully to the nation,” he explained.
With the launch of the Garuda Scholarship, the government hopes to nurture a new generation of Indonesians ready to compete on the global stage and strengthen the country’s position in science and technology.
