VOINews, Jakarta: The U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, extended an invitation to Indonesian students to pursue higher education in the United States, highlighting the opportunities and advantages of studying at American universities. Speaking at the EducationUSA Fair in Jakarta on Saturday, Ambassador Lakhdhir emphasized the importance of fostering educational ties between the two nations.
"I may be biased, but I truly believe the United States is home to the best universities and colleges in the world. I want to stress that the U.S. is open to Indonesian students and warmly welcomes them," said Lakhdhir, underscoring America's commitment to providing access to top-tier education for international students, including those from Indonesia.
The EducationUSA Fair aims to strengthen the educational relationship between the U.S. and Indonesia, which forms one of the key pillars of the countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The fair is part of broader efforts to enhance academic exchange and collaboration, which have been a cornerstone of the diplomatic relationship between the two nations for over 75 years.
The ambassador noted that Indonesian students who choose to study in the U.S. contribute significantly to building bridges between the two countries, fostering greater understanding and cooperation across cultures. “I hope to see an increase in the number of Indonesian students studying in the U.S. because they help strengthen the ties between our countries and cultures. The U.S. is open to students at all levels of study,” Lakhdhir added.
The event attracted representatives from 56 American universities and colleges, as well as officials from various Indonesian and U.S. scholarship programs. Students attending the fair had the opportunity to learn more about these educational institutions and the resources available to help them succeed in their academic pursuits.
The EducationUSA Fair is not only being held in Jakarta but also in Surabaya on October 13, with a debut event in Bali on October 17. This expansion of the fair to Bali demonstrates the increasing interest in U.S. higher education among Indonesian students and the growing accessibility of these opportunities.
Open to the general public, the fair offers practical sessions on how to navigate university applications and explore employment opportunities in the U.S. after graduation. In addition, students can attend specialized sessions hosted by the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) and the American-Indonesian Exchange Foundation (AMINEF), which provide valuable information on scholarships and financial aid.
Lakhdhir highlighted that with over 4,000 universities and colleges to choose from in the U.S., Indonesian students have a wealth of options when it comes to finding the right educational path. She also noted that nearly 9,000 Indonesian students are currently studying in the U.S., reflecting the strong academic ties between the two nations.
“I encourage all of you to seriously consider how you can pursue your studies in the U.S., whether it's for a semester, a year, or for a full undergraduate or postgraduate degree. The opportunities are endless, and we hope you will take advantage of them,” the ambassador concluded, urging Indonesian students to explore their options for studying in the U.S./ANTARA/VOI
