The U.S. Agency for International Development announced the second group of scholarship recipients under the USAID Program to Extend Scholarships and Training to Achieve Sustainable Impacts II (PRESTASI II), which provides opportunities for Indonesians to earn master’s degrees in selected fields from universities in the U.S. and Indonesia. The goal of the five-year (2012-2017) program is to improve the performance and leadership skills of Indonesian professionals in support of the country’s development. The 23 new recipients were selected from among more than 689 applicants; 14 will study in the U.S., the other nine in Indonesia. All will commence their studies in the 2015 academic year.
USAID Acting Mission Director Jon Lindborg said, “These scholarships are an opportunity for the recipients to advance their professional skills, but more importantly, to develop knowledge and obtain experience that will enable them to contribute to a brighter future for Indonesia.”
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 high academic performance, professional experience, 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. To read more about the program, please visit:http://www.usaid.gov/indonesia/participant-training.
