Jakarta, August 3, 2023 – The LPDP Festival 2023 has reached its finale. The Culmination Event of the LPDP Festival, which also serves as a homecoming event for LPDP alumni and awardees, was held at the Kota Kasablanka Mall on August 3, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM WIB.

The Culmination Event of the LPDP Festival 2023 carries the overarching theme "Enlivening Indonesia Advancing The Nation," reflecting LPDP's contribution to national human resource development and innovation through scholarships and research funding. During this event, LPDP beneficiaries, including research grant recipients and LPDP scholarship awardees who have completed their studies from various parts of the world, gathered for a series of discussions and dialogues, aiming to align their vision and unite efforts to contribute to society.

The Culmination Event of the LPDP Festival 2023 was graced by the presence of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. H. Joko Widodo, as a demonstration of the government's full support for educational and research advancement efforts led by LPDP. Also in attendance were Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, several ministers, embassy representatives, and other LPDP partners.

President Joko Widodo appreciated the LPDP Festival as a means of promoting education to the wider community to prepare excellent human resources in facing the demographic bonus.

"I am optimistic that the demographic bonus can be utilized to elevate our country to become a developed nation," said the President.

According to President Joko Widodo, the next 13 years are critical in determining whether the country can leap to become a developed nation or not. Therefore, it is essential to prepare the nation's resources and knowledge to the best of their ability to progress and compete globally.

President Joko Widodo specifically urged LPDP scholarship alumni studying abroad to return and contribute to the nation's advancement.

"After completing your studies, come back, work for Indonesia. No matter the circumstances. Return. Our country needs you. So, you must return," emphasized the President to the LPDP scholarship recipients present.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani expressed high hopes for LPDP alumni, who are being prepared to become the nation's future leaders.

"LPDP alumni will hold the baton of leadership in Indonesia. They will continue to uphold, nurture, and advance Indonesia," said Finance Minister Sri Mulyani confidently.

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani also assured that the management of the Endowment Fund in Education by LPDP could be accessed by all Indonesian citizens, including those in 3T Areas (Underdeveloped, Frontier, Outermost) through affirmative scholarships.

"With the affirmative scholarship program provided by LPDP, all Indonesian children have the right to dream and fight for their dreams," clarified Finance Minister Sri Mulyani.

The homecoming alumni event, organized as part of the Culmination Event of the LPDP Festival, aims to be a platform for dialogue between LPDP beneficiaries and prominent figures, leaders, policymakers, showcasing achievements and benefits for the wider community.

Through the LPDP Festival series, it is hoped to ignite a spirit among the general public to enhance higher education standards and research innovation, continually facilitated by the government, especially LPDP.

There were also nine research exhibitions funded by the RISPRO LPDP program such as Patriot-Net, Indonesian High-Speed Train, CNC Innostra, Butimo Handwritten Batik, GESITS, and others. Additionally, there were 20 job fair booths occupied by various state-owned enterprises (BUMN) and government agencies.

The Culmination Event of the LPDP Festival 2023, dedicated to LPDP alumni and awardees, was hosted by the duo Kemal Mochtar and Astrid Tiar. The event commenced with a performance by the Indonesian Dance Festival and a stand-up comedy act by Oza Rangkuti. The closing act featured singer Tulus, who successfully entertained the attendees.

Previously, from August 1 to 2, the LPDP Festival took place, including the Edu Fair, Job Fair, Research Fair, IELTS and TOEFL Try Out Test, Talk Shows and Seminars, and Cultural Showcases and Mini Cinemas by the recipients of the Indonesiana Fund. A total of 5,322 visitors enjoyed the various events of the LPDP Festival.