JAKARTA (August 4, 2015) – The U.S. Chargé d'Affaires hosted a reception to send off 22 scholarship recipients departing to pursue postgraduate studies in the United States and Indonesia underthe U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) PRESTASI program. The goal of the program is to improve the performance and leadership skills of Indonesian professionals in support of the country’s development. The scholars were selected from among more than 689 applicants; 13 will study in the U.S., the other nine in Indonesia. All will begin their studies in the 2015 academic year.

“These scholarships are an opportunity for Indonesia’s future leaders to gain the knowledge and experience that will help them to contribute to a brighter future for Indonesia,” said Chargé d'Affaires Kristen Bauer.

Silvera Marolita Erari of Papua received a scholarship to pursue studies in the field of health. She said that when she returns from the U.S., she wants to use her new knowledge to improve research and data management related to epidemiology in Papua.

Recipient Jeni Pareira of Flores says the scholarship will help her to set up a foundation or NGO to preserve the diverse environment of her community. “I think it’s an opportunity for me to maximize my contribution to the improvement of Indonesia’s forestry governance.”

The USAID scholarship program is open to all Indonesians with professional experience, high academic performance, leadership skills, and dedication to improving the lives of others. The program gives special consideration to promising individuals from disadvantaged and under-represented geographical areas in Indonesia. The program also strongly encourages women to apply.

Since 1950, USAID and its predecessor agencies have provided scholarships to study in US universities for more than 3,500 Indonesians, and non-degree training to tens of thousands more. PRESTASI is one of the U.S. Embassy’s education initiatives that supports the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership. To learn more about the program, visit http://www.usaid.gov/indonesia/participant-training