27 receive Indonesian scholarships

By DULCIE OREKE
THE Indonesian go­vernment has awarded 27 Papua New Guineans scholarships to study in universities there.
Four locals will be studying for non-degree programmes for about a year, while others will undertake studies in bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate programmes.
Indonesian ambassador Andreas Sitepu said President Bambang Susilo Yodhoyono had pledged during a visit in March 2010 to work with the PNG government in improving human resources of the country through people-to-people contact.
During his address to awardees, parents and guests at the closing ceremony of pre-departure training at the embassy in Port Moresby yesterday, Sitepu said that commitment could be implemented by strengthening the collaboration between the two countries in various fields, including education and culture.
Sitepu said this year’s scholarships had increased from 22 in 2011 to 27 and he hoped the numbers would grow in the years ahead.
He encouraged students to stay focused on their main purpose and goals in their studies.
As a requirement, students had to complete training conducted last month to study the Indonesian language, culture and educational systems.
The training was to provide them with basic knowledge about the country’s language, culture and education system.
The students will leave the country on Friday via Port Moresby-Vanimo-Ja­yapura and Jakarta.