RI readies consular aid for 87 students at Harvard facing US ban

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its representative in the United States, is preparing consular assistance for 87 Indonesian students affected by the US government's ban on Harvard University enrolling foreign students.

"The Indonesian Representative in the US will provide consular assistance to Indonesian students affected," the ministry's spokesperson, Rolliansyah Soemirat, confirmed on Tuesday.

The ministry is closely monitoring developments in US immigration policies, including the ban on Harvard University admitting foreign students.

He noted that the policy has created uncertainty for international students from various countries studying at Harvard University, including 87 students from Indonesia.

"While awaiting the outcome of the lawsuit by Harvard University, the Indonesian Representative in the United States has established intensive communication with Indonesian students at Harvard University and appealed to them to remain calm," Soemirat stated.

In addition, the Indonesian government has expressed its concerns about this issue to the US government and hopes for a resolution that does not jeopardize the future of Indonesian students at Harvard University.

“Indonesian students in the US have made important contributions to the advancement of education and science in the US,” he emphasized.

On May 22, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), effectively banning the institution from accepting new foreign students.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that in addition to banning future admissions of foreign students, currently enrolled foreign students must leave to avoid losing their eligibility.

“May this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions in this country. Admitting foreign students is a privilege, not a right, and that privilege has been revoked due to Harvard’s repeated failure to comply with federal law,” US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem remarked.