TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Research, Technology, and Higher Education Minister Mohamad Nasir stated that the government has already prepared a budget of around Rp5 trillion for scholarships to 90,000 university students in Indonesia. He hoped the students would take the great opportunity.

"Please use this facility well and try to sign up to universities in Indonesia," Nasir said in front of students of Class XII at Islamic Boarding School of Mamba'ul Ma'arif, Jombang District, East Java on Sunday.

There are many universities in East Java that students can apply such as Airlangga University, University of Surabaya and Polytechnic Institute. Brawijaya University and State University of Malang are other options while in Madiun and Jember there are state polytechnic institute and State University of Jember.

"There are many state universities including State University of 11 March Surakarta, Diponegoro University in Semarang, Semarang State University and General Sudirman University of Purwokerto," he said.

Nasir further said the total number of state universities under the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education reached to 122 in Indonesia.

"I hope the Islamic boarding school's students can apply to the state universities and study well there," he added.

Nasir introduced Bidikmisi (education fund for needy students) Scholarship at Islamic Boarding School of Mamba'ul Ma'arif, Denanyar, Jombang District, East Java.

On the occasion, Nasir distributed gifts to brave students who could answer his questions correctly. Nasir also gave three laptops to high achievers from poor families.

ANTARA