Surabaya, April 13, 2023 - Coinciding with the 20th National Music Day celebrations (HMN), the Education Fund Management Agency (LPDP), in collaboration with the Indonesian Musician Singer Songwriter and Musician Union (PAPPRI), conducted a scholarship promotion for cultural artists held at Bicopi Cafe, Surabaya, starting at 7:30 PM local time.

LPDP's scholarships for cultural artists are a realization of the Cultural Endowment Fund program, which was initially launched in 2022. The Cultural Endowment Fund was established as a manifestation of the state's presence to enhance human resource capacity and research in the field of cultural arts in Indonesia.

LPDP Scholarship Director, Dwi Larso, stated that the government aims for Indonesia to progress and thrive globally through the creative field, including music.

"Until now, LPDP has provided scholarships for Master's and Ph.D. degrees in music. There are 25 individuals pursuing these degrees. Of course, by collaborating with PAPPRI, this number will increase," said Dwi Larso during a talk show session hosted by Al-Zastrouw Ngatawi, a cultural figure and leader of the Ki Ageng Ganjur music group.

In line with this, PAPPRI Secretary-General Dwiki Dharmawan mentioned the necessity of enhancing the capacity of citizens working in the arts by collaborating with LPDP.

"We aim for music enthusiasts to enhance their quality, whether they're pursuing academic degrees (Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D.), vocational training, short courses, or conducting research. Let's not forget, in Indonesia, there are many musical arts that are on the brink of extinction. These will be researched and documented again using funds from LPDP," explained Dwiki Dharmawan, the husband of singer Ita Purnamasari.

Once Mekel, acting as the Head of PAPPRI's Program Division and also the Chairman of the 20th National Music Day Committee, explained that music is a medium widely accepted across cultural and religious boundaries. Therefore, Once urged the preservation of music, which has long served as a cohesive force within Indonesian society.

Meanwhile, LPDP's Research Facility Director, Wisnu Sardjono Soenarso, who was present at the event, expressed hope that cultural activists would no longer face funding difficulties when developing their skills and conducting research in the field of cultural arts.

"The government is definitely providing funds for cultural activists. Hopefully, we can become hosts in our own country and not be dependent on other nations," he stated, greeted warmly by the audience and music enthusiasts.

The LPDP scholarship promotion alongside PAPPRI concluded with performances by several renowned singers such as Andre Hehannusa, Once Mekel, Sara Fajira, Ita Purnamasari, the Ki Ageng Ganjur music group, and several local musicians from Surabaya. Observations throughout the event showed the audience's enthusiasm from the beginning until its end around 11:15 PM local time. The East Java Cultural and Tourism Office Head, Hudiyono, and Surabaya's Deputy Mayor, Armuji, were also present at the event.

The 20th HMN celebration event themed "Cool Indonesian Music," organized by PAPPRI, is part of a roadshow held in four cities: Medan, Makassar, Manado, and Surabaya. The next event will take place in Jakarta on Sunday (4/16).