The Master of Business Administration Faculty of Economics and Business, Gadjah Mada University (MBA FEB UGM) Jakarta Campus has launched a scholarship programme for diplomats from various countries. This initiative began in 2025 and is a tangible form of Indonesian educational diplomacy and reflects MBA FEB UGM’s commitment to building international collaboration through academic channels.
“MBA FEB UGM is launching the Diplomat Scholarship Programme, which provides an opportunity for foreign representatives to understand Indonesia up close, not only through state rituals, but also through the management and business disciplines required in the modern era,”said the Head of the MBA FEB UGM Study Programme, Jakarta Campus, Prof. Eduardus Tandelilin.
Commitment to Educational Diplomacy
Tandelilin said that this scholarship programme introduces the quality of Indonesian higher education, particularly in management, while also building a strong network of friendships. By studying in the heart of Indonesia’s economy, diplomats are expected to understand Indonesia from three perspectives: culture, economic dynamics, and academic strength.
“This step is a statement of commitment. As a leading educational institution, MBA FEB UGM Jakarta Campus educates professionals and nurtures an inclusive and globally relevant knowledge ecosystem,” said Tandelilin.
Tandelilin explains that scholarships for diplomats are a long-term investment to build a network of economic collaboration and knowledge exchange between countries. Diplomatic scholarships direct international collaboration towards tangible goals, namely building capacity and broadening cross-cultural understanding. In addition, these scholarships are intended to create ambassadors of friendship who bring the story of Indonesia to other countries.
These scholarships provide comprehensive financial support throughout the study period. The scholarship allows students to focus on the learning process in class, complete projects, and network with the industry community. This scheme enables diplomats to hone their managerial skills without financial burdens, while also giving them time to map out economic cooperation and investment opportunities that benefit their home countries and Indonesia.
Followed by Diplomats from Four Countries
During the August 2025 intake period, four diplomats from Chile, Cambodia, Pakistan, and Papua New Guinea were officially enrolled as students of the International Executive MBA (IEMBA) programme at the Jakarta Campus. Their presence enriched the classroom, where perspectives from South Asia, Latin America, the Pacific, and Southeast Asia converged in an academic forum. The diversity of students increasingly enriches discussions on business strategy, governance, and sustainable development. This aligns with the core competencies emphasised in the FEB UGM MBA, namely shaping adaptive leaders who are globally minded and ready to face the challenges of the dynamic business world.
“For diplomats, this scholarship is an opportunity to deepen their management knowledge, from strategy to finance, leadership to digital transformation. These competencies directly relate to diplomatic duties: analysing investment opportunities, mapping trade interests, and designing impactful cooperation programmes. Classes and collaborative projects provide space to apply concepts to real cases, bridging theory with practice,” explained Tandelilin.
Furthermore, Tandelilin said that this diplomatic scholarship strengthens the reputation of FEB UGM MBA as an international-standard educational institution with a strategic alum network. The presence of diplomats on campus is an effective public diplomacy channel. Meanwhile, for Indonesia, this initiative demonstrates its seriousness in investing in long-term relationships, namely building trust and opening doors for future collaboration.
One of the diplomats receiving the Diplomat Scholarship Programme, Anas Khan from the Pakistani Embassy, revealed his reasons for choosing the MBA FEB UGM Jakarta Campus. According to him, an MBA is a universal management programme that develops an understanding of business management and assists in making the right decisions. As a diplomat, he sees the education obtained at UGM as a provision for bridging business relations between Pakistan and the country where he is assigned. Anas also hopes to master the business world and quickly adapt to the dynamics of change in the corporate sector.
Meanwhile, Ray Vicheasophea from the Royal Cambodian Embassy is proud to have the opportunity to study at the MBA FEB UGM Jakarta through a diplomatic scholarship. His keen interest in business has motivated him to continue learning while carrying out his diplomatic duties in Jakarta. He believes his experience studying at UGM, interacting with classmates, and establishing relationships with the Indonesian business community will be valuable assets. Ray is convinced that this MBA degree is not only academically valuable, but can also be implemented to strengthen business cooperation between Cambodia and Indonesia.
Programme Excellence
The scope of learning in the MBA FEB UGM Jakarta Campus integrates industry exposure, local case studies, and ASEAN regional perspectives. Thus, the knowledge gained does not stop in the lecture hall. It flows into policy, inspiring an evidence-based, context-sensitive, and productive diplomatic approach.
Located in the economic centre of Indonesia, the Jakarta Campus organically unites academia and industry practice. Access to corporations, regulators, and the startup community enriches the learning process and opens up space for constructive dialogue. Scholarship recipients will experience firsthand how ideas are tested, refined, and applied in a dynamic business environment.
When the programme ends, the diplomats return to their respective countries as alumni who understand Indonesia better. They bring networks, knowledge, and experience that can be translated into concrete partnerships, from investment promotion to research and education exchanges.
Source: Public Relations MBA FEB UGM
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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