Government to expand LPDP beyond education, embraces skills training

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto emphasized that the Endowment Fund for Education Agency (LPDP) would not be stopped but rather expanded.

The government plans to incorporate the LPDP into the Pre-Employment Card Program to bring wider benefits not only in educational programs but also in training programs for the community.

"The LPDP will not be stopped but expanded. Apart from education, this country also needs training," Hartarto remarked at a press conference for the Job Creation Committee and Pre-Employment Card Program Partners in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He said that in the revised program, there would be special assignments to support the tourism industry, including the tourism fund plan managed by the LPDP.

Until now, he noted that the government is still reviewing the revision of this study program.

"There will be management of endowment funds for workers. The LPDP will be expanded," he remarked.

This plan is in line with President Joko Widodo's earlier proposal to improve the LPDP system. In fact, the president expressed keenness to see more LPDP scholarship awardees for the next period.

To this end, Hartarto offered the option to transfer LPDP funds to the tourism sector endowment fund.

Meanwhile, he assessed that the Pre-Employment Card Program had, so far, helped members of the community hone their skills.

Through several training courses, participants can develop their competencies to work and become entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of Management for the Pre-Employment Card Program, Denni Puspa Purbasari, stated that since its initial launch in April 2020, the program has had a sustainable positive impact on society. This is especially true for entrepreneurship, increasing income, and boosting digital skills.

From April 2020 to December 2023, the Pre-Employment Card Program had provided access to training for 17.5 million recipients from 514 districts and cities, Purbasari said.

"The data shows that 40 percent of pre-employment participants are already working and 60 percent are unemployed. Within one year, 30 percent of them are already working, with a composition of 50 percent becoming entrepreneurs and 50 percent becoming employees," she noted.