Indonesian Minister Urges Scholarship Recipients to Be Resilient 'Fighters,' Not Complacent

Indonesian Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto has urged recipients of the Garuda Scholarship program to shed any sense of entitlement and cultivate a resilient mindset for their studies abroad and future careers in Indonesia. Speaking at an orientation event in Jakarta on Thursday, July 9, 2026, Yuliarto addressed the phenomenon of scholarship graduates who are hesitant to return to Indonesia, often citing a lack of facilities or suitable job prospects.

"If you are the best, why should you be afraid to compete in Indonesia against those who couldn't go abroad?" Yuliarto challenged the awardees. "So don't be afraid, and don't complain later that no one is facilitating you. If the field you want doesn't exist, create it in Indonesia."

The minister shared his personal experience studying in Japan, noting he secured his own scholarship from the Japanese government and worked odd jobs, including cleaning trains, to support himself. He cautioned students against complaining about minor issues, such as a slight delay in scholarship fund disbursement, drawing from his own past hardships.

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If you are the best, why should you be afraid to compete in Indonesia against those who couldn't go abroad? So don't be afraid, and don't complain later that no one is facilitating you. If the field you want doesn't exist, create it in Indonesia.

Yuliarto also warned against "intellectual arrogance," or the "smartest in the room" syndrome, which he believes can lead to a fragile mentality when facing the academic rigor of top global universities. To counter this, he introduced three fundamental character pillars: Perseverance (long-term dedication), Persistence (resilience after failure), and Grit (tireless fighting spirit). He encouraged students to focus on problem-solving rather than complaining and even challenged them to independently seek master's scholarships from foreign professors after completing their undergraduate studies.

"Finally, I give you this message: be humble. Great people are those who don't create drama, who don't seek the spotlight, but who work with perseverance," Yuliarto concluded.

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Finally, I give you this message: be humble. Great people are those who don't create drama, who don't seek the spotlight, but who work with perseverance.