February 26, 2026 | 12:43 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Directorate General of the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP), Sudarto, stated that LPDP is opening the opportunity for an extension of stay abroad for scholarship awardees who have successfully passed the very stringent selection process at world-class research institutions or industries.
According to Sudarto, the basic policy of LPDP still obliges awardees to return to Indonesia after completing their studies. However, under certain conditions-especially if alumni obtain strategic opportunities in global research centers-LPDP may consider granting a longer stay permit.
"If there are individuals who have passed a very stringent selection abroad for important research, LPDP may issue a permit or extension," said Sudarto during a media briefing at the Directorate General of Fiscal Balance office in Jakarta, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
He exemplified that positions in world-class research institutions or design are not easily obtained. If an Indonesian talent successfully reaches that level, he believes the opportunity should be considered, as it could significantly impact Indonesia's reputation and its networking on the international stage.
However, Sudarto emphasized that the permit is not automatic and still goes through an assessment mechanism. LPDP does not guarantee job availability, either domestically or internationally, as this is outside the authority of the scholarship management agency.
Currently, LPDP regulations still require alumni to return to Indonesia. However, if they have not obtained suitable employment within two years of their return, their cases can be further evaluated.
Sudarto assessed that the main issue is not only the obligation to return, but also the readiness of the national ecosystem to absorb higher-education graduates. He stated that LPDP is just one part of the human resources development chain.
In line with this direction, in 2026, LPDP changed its tagline from "Education Service" to "Impact Mission" to emphasize the orientation toward the tangible impact created by alumni, both domestically and through strategic contributions at the global level.
Read: LPDP Details Refund Procedures for Scholarship Violations
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