Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology stated on Monday that the Indonesian International Students Mobility Award (IISMA) is aimed to transform its awardees into global citizens.

“IISMA is a collaboration between the ministry and the Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) in creating global citizens. One of the most important skills in the 21st century is to have a global outlook,” said Nizam, the ministry’s director-general of higher education, research and technology, at the IISMA 2021 event.

The students sent to 31 countries to study in world-class universities should create international friendships and networks so that their advancement and innovation can be achieved together, he said.

“I hope you can be the nation’s ambassadors who introduce Indonesia’s culture to your friends abroad. Introduce them Indonesia’s friendliness, diversity, tourism, natural beauty, and food,” Nizam stressed.

This former dean of Gadjah Mada University’s Engineering Faculty also hoped the students would study hard during the exchange program and continue their education to a higher level. “I also advise you to continue complying with health protocols. Even though you are in developed nations, you still need to comply with the protocols because you are not only representing yourselves but also the nation,” Nizam said.

He then said goodbye to the students while praying for their success.

Meanwhile, Dwi Larso, LDPD’s Scholarship Director, said a nation will advance if it has educated citizens who love their nation, have integrity, and are honest so that they do not fall into corruption.

“Around 64 percent of the perpetrators of corruption in Indonesia are educated. We do not want intellectuals like that,” Larso stressed and hoped that the students would continue to think and act optimistically to help better the nation.

Source: Antara News