U.S. Chargé d ‘Affairs Brian McFeeters hosted a reception to send off 47 Indonesian professionals to the United States who received scholarships from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The scholarships were awarded under two USAID programs: Program to Extend Scholarships and Training to Achieve Sustainable Impacts (PRESTASI) and the Governing Oil Palm Landscapes for Sustainability (GOLS) program, a joint initiative between USAID and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR).

“These scholarships are an opportunity to advance young professionals’ skills and educational goals, but more importantly, to improve their knowledge and experience that will help them make significant contributions to the future of Indonesia,” said Chargé d ‘Affaires McFeeters. At the same event, the Chargé d ‘Affairs also honored seven USAID scholars who recently returned to Indonesia upon completion of their Masters’ and doctoral degrees in the United States.

“Studying in the US has a lot of advantages - excellent resources both professors and libraries and a lot of policies and practices that we can learn from,” said University of Indonesia School of Public Health Professor dr. Hasbullah Thabarany. After earning a Master’s in Public Health and a Dr.PH degree from the University of California at Berkeley, Thabrany went on to become of the architects of Indonesia’s National Health Insurance (JKN). 

USAID PRESTASI and GOLS are among the many U.S. Government scholarship programs that are designed to advance cooperation between the United States and Indonesia on efforts to sustain the environment, promote prosperity, and enhance mutual understanding. The goal of the scholarship programs is to equip Indonesia’s future leaders with the knowledge and skills that will support Indonesia to address development challenges.

The USAID scholarship programs are open to all Indonesians with professional experience, high academic performance, leadership skills, and dedication to improving the lives of others. The scholarship programs give special consideration to promising individuals from disadvantaged and under-represented geographical areas in Indonesia as well as professionals working for the Government of Indonesia. The programs also strongly encourage women to apply.

Since 1950, USAID and its predecessor agencies have provided scholarships to 3,900 Indonesians to earn degrees at U.S. universities. Tens of thousands more Indonesians have participated in non-degree training in the United States. PRESTASI and GOLs are two of several U.S. Embassy education initiatives that support the U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership. To learn more about the program, visitwww.usaid.gov/indonesia.