TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Association of Parents of Advanced Indonesia Scholarship (BIM) or BIM Batch 4 staged a rally in front of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in Jakarta on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The rally demanded the government provide clarity regarding the continuity of the scholarship.

Based on Tempo's observation on the ground, around 50 rally participants gathered in front of Building A at the office of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. Later they moved to deliver their demands at Building F.

The association's chairperson, Ihsandawi, stated that currently there is confusion regarding the certainty of continuing to study BIM 4 recipients. The parents of the scholarship recipients are concerned about whether the government will continue the scholarship amidst budget cuts based on Presidential Instruction Number 1 of 2025 regarding Budget Efficiency.

"Amidst such uncertainty and arising anxiety, we, the parents of BIM 4, visit the Ministry of Education and Technology today, February 19, 2025, to inquire and ensure the continuity of this scholarship program," said Ihsandawi.

The BIM Bergelar program is a continuation of the BIM 4 Preparation and is an integrated part. In this program, BIM 4 Preparation recipients can choose one of 99 of the world's best universities based on the QS World Ranking. As a requirement, they must obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from the chosen university. This program is expected to realize the golden generation's dream of attaining the best global education.

Ihsandawi mentioned that many BIM 4 recipients have received LoAs as proof of acceptance at the universities they applied to, according to the list of recommendations from Puspresnas. However, there is a concern among the recipients and parents of BIM 4 that the government may reduce or even eliminate funding for the S1 Bergelar BIM overseas. "Yet, a considerable number of BIM 4 recipients are those who have achieved achievements in academic and non-academic fields at the national and international levels," he said.

During the rally, one of the parents of a BIM 4 recipient, Meita, recited a poem entitled "Hope at the End of the Pen." A few lines of the poem read, "I want to fly to seek knowledge and bring back light for my nation. However, the wall is too high in cost and limitations imprison me."

In addition, the rally demands the realization of the statement made by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro during the meeting with Commission X on February 12, stating that the BIM Scholarship will be provided through LPDP funds. Therefore, BIM Batch 4 Students demands the Ministry of Education and Technology to provide certainty regarding the mechanism and timeline for providing scholarships for S1 overseas through LPDP funds.

Ihsandawi also requests that the BIM S1 be processed overseas immediately, considering that many recipients have obtained LoAs and some of them must be confirmed with the relevant universities. "We cannot wait any longer," he said.

Furthermore, confirmation of funding for the received LoAs, including the issuance of the Letter of Guarantee and Letter of Sponsorship, must be processed promptly as there is a deadline for the deposit payment or admission fees to the universities. Lastly, Ihsandawi demands that there be no limitation on the number of LoAs that can be applied for by each BIM 4 recipient.

Currently, the association is still in an audience with the Ministry of Education and Technology. As of the writing of this news, the audience is still ongoing.

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