Education is a conscious and planned effort to create a learning atmosphere and learning process so that students actively develop their potential to have spiritual strength, self-control, personality, intelligence, noble character, and the skills needed by themselves, society, the nation, and the state. (Indonesian Law No. 20 of 2003).
In today’s world, we understand that every child in this nation has the right to a proper education. One valuable effort in this endeavor is the provision of scholarships widely across various sectors. The scholarship program from the Graduate School of Gadjah Mada University is not just a tool to overcome financial barriers in education but also a motivator to achieve high academic performance.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Siti Malkhamah, M.Sc., Ph.D., Dean of the Graduate School of UGM, stated that the scholarship program supports students in developing the skills needed in the job market, thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth. Furthermore, this scholarship also supports other SDG goals, such as proper work for all. Scholarship recipients are expected to have better skills and knowledge with scholarship programs, enabling them to compete in the job market and obtain decent work.
This scholarship program also contributes to economic growth. Individuals with higher education are expected to contribute more significantly to the country’s economic development. Good education will produce good quality human resources, ultimately driving sustainable economic growth.
Hopefully, this scholarship program will create more opportunities, benefiting students across Indonesia and enhancing their learning enthusiasm. They can see education as a highly valuable future investment. Good education will not only change individual lives but also bring positive changes to society and the nation.
Keywords: SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Author: Arfikah Istari