Jakarta, January 9, 2024 - The recipients of the LPDP scholarships, who are part of the 221st Departure Preparation Batch (PK-221), had the opportunity to be directly attended by Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati on Monday afternoon (8/1).

In her opening remarks, the Finance Minister congratulated a total of 314 LPDP scholarship recipients, comprising 160 females and 154 males. These awardees hail from 33 provinces across Indonesia, pursuing master's, doctoral, and specialist doctorate degrees.

"I extend my congratulations to all of you. You're remarkable. I hope this serves as a foundation in nurturing your self-confidence - where you can seize an opportunity to cultivate, strengthen your spirit, personality, and character to become better individuals," said the Finance Minister in her speech in the Ancol area.

The Finance Minister discussed the rapid technological advancements leading to numerous disruptions. Unavoidable as it is, the younger generation, as the nation's future leaders, must possess the ability to master technology to remain globally competitive. Technological proficiency is closely tied to the potential economic development of the country.

The presence of LPDP scholarship awardees is tangible evidence of how the country invests in its most meaningful resource - human resources. It is hoped that LPDP awardees become intellectuals with a responsibility to guide and lead their surrounding communities toward continuous positive change.

The Finance Minister also conveyed a message to PK-221, named Bumi Pertiwi, that they are blessed individuals being part of the 0.5 percent of Indonesia's population receiving education at the master's and doctoral levels.

"Those here in batch 221 represent a portion of 0.5 percent of Indonesia's population. The country collects funds to educate you, and you are elevated to 0.5 percent at the top of this population. It is a privilege, a gift, it is a blessing," expressed the Finance Minister.

Therefore, not forgetting, the Finance Minister urged all LPDP scholarship recipients to strengthen the nation, bear the responsibility to return and contribute to building the country.

"As LPDP alumni, you will continue, safeguard, and uplift Indonesia. Furthermore, by providing numerous solutions, both for domestic and global challenges," she added.

Departure Preparation is a mandatory activity for all LPDP scholarship recipients upon successfully passing the final selection stage. This activity is organized to bring together the nation's best youths from various corners of the archipelago and diverse backgrounds.

Values of integrity, motivation, resilience, and adaptive behavior through materials and knowledge sharing from speakers are expected to strengthen hearts and solidify the vision and mission to face the future.

"Congratulations on embarking on the adventure, PK-221. Be intelligent and devoted to Indonesia. Return and be part of the Indonesian generation that will make this nation a center for education, technology, and world civilization," concluded Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati.