Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Warga Bumiputra Indonesia Foundation (YWBI), in collaboration with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) China Committee (KIKT) and Tianjin University in China, has launched a scholarship program for one thousand talented Indonesian youths to pursue higher education abroad.
YWBI Chairman General (Ret.) Hendropriyono said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday that the scholarship program, titled Dharma Bhakti Warga Bumiputra Indonesia, is designed to produce professional talents who will strengthen various strategic sectors in Indonesia, particularly in the medical field.
The initiative was launched in conjunction with the commemoration of the 79th Youth Pledge Day in Jakarta.
Through this program, at least 50 Indonesian students will be sent each year to study at Tianjin University, one of the leading national universities under China’s Ministry of Education.
“The cooperation between YWBI, KIKT, and Tianjin University marks the beginning of a higher education scholarship program for Indonesia’s young generation," Hendropriyono said.
"This initiative is expected to strengthen national human resource capacity in line with the President’s directive to add at least 5,000 new doctors to serve across the country,” he remarked.
He added that the scholarship recipients will not only gain academic knowledge abroad but will also be equipped with Indonesia’s moral and cultural values through collaboration with leading universities in the country.
“When they return, they will be ready to serve in various regions, bringing with them knowledge, a spirit of nationalism, and Bumiputra values,” he said.
KIKT Chairman Garibaldi Thohir emphasized that the partnership is not only about expanding access to global education but also about strengthening Indonesia-China bilateral relations in human resource development.
“We believe a nation’s future is not only determined by its economic strength but also by the quality of its human resources. Through this collaboration, we aim to expand learning opportunities for Indonesian youths while deepening the friendship between both nations,” he stated.
During the same event, KIKT and Tianjin University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in education, scientific research, and professional training.
Under the agreement, KIKT will send at least 20 Indonesian educators and professionals annually to attend training programs at Tianjin University and promote joint research between academia and industry.
The MoU was signed by KIKT Chairman Garibaldi Thohir, YWBI Chairman Hendropriyono, and Tianjin University President Prof. Chai Liyuan, witnessed by Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Suhartono Suratman.
The synergy between social foundations, the business sector, and educational institutions is expected to mark a new chapter in strengthening Indonesia–China cooperation in education.
The initiative also represents a concrete step toward supporting the Indonesia Emas 2045 vision by improving the quality and global competitiveness of Indonesia’s young generation.
