Indonesia Allocates Rp6.5 Billion For Foreign Youths

Yogyakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesia has allocated Rp6.5 billion worth of funds to finance scholarships for the study of Indonesian arts and culture, an official stated.

These scholarships are given to youths from Mexico, South Korea, Turkey and Australia (MIKTA), and the funds will be allocated through the Foreign Ministry, according to the Public Diplomacy Director in Public Diplomacy Directorate of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Al Busyra Basnur, here on Tuesday.

"A total of Rp6.5 billion will be allocated annually for scholarships meant for around 60 youths from these four countries (MIKTA), apart from Indonesia," he further said.

Al Busra made the remarks on the sidelines of an Interfaith Dialogue and Culture event relating to MIKTA countries.

The Indonesian government's budgetary allocation is part of the efforts to improve the foreign youths' understanding of Indonesian arts and culture in a comprehensive manner, he pointed out.

Once they learn about the Indonesian arts and culture, they can help spread awareness about Indonesia and its arts in their respective countries.

"We invite the youths from MIKTA countries (to avail the scholarships) for three months. The scholarship will cover all their needs during their stay in Indonesia," Al Busra cited.

The MIKTA forum provides a platform to discuss several issues such as peace, security, refugees, gender empowerment, trade and the global economy. (WDY)