INCREASE IN NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS FOR POST-GRADUATE STUDIES IN NEW ZEALAND – A SPECIAL FOCUS ON EASTERN INDONESIA

In 2011, the New Zealand Government increased the number of New Zealand-ASEAN Scholars (NZ-AS) awards available for Indonesians to undertake post-graduate studies in New Zealand from 15 places per year to 50.  In addition, a particular focus will be on providing scholarships for applicants from Eastern Indonesia, as well as those furthering their studies in geothermal energy.  BaKTI News recently caught up with the New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr David Taylor, who explained these changes in more detail.

Why did the New Zealand Government decide to increase the number of post-graduate scholarships for Indonesia from 15 to 50 per year starting in 2011?
The Government attaches particular weight to New Zealand's relationship with ASEAN and wanted to increase engagement across the region.  The overall number of scholarships for ASEAN countries increased from around 70 to 170 and Indonesia secured the largest proportion.  This reflected the particular importance of Indonesia within ASEAN and for New Zealand, and we have been working hard to lift our engagement with Indonesia across all aspects of the relationship.

While the NZ-AS scholarships are open for all Indonesians who meet the criteria, special consideration is given to applicants from Eastern Indonesia and those wanting to study geothermal energy.  Why is that?
New Zealand's ambition is to provide development assistance to those with the greatest needs.  Eastern Indonesia has more development challenges than most other parts of the archipelago.   We have had a longstanding association with Papua and West Papua provinces as well as Maluku and we believe it is important to continue to try and assist them develop their human capital so that they can progress.

We also try to find ways to cooperate in areas where New Zealand has something special to offer.  We are a world leader in geothermal energy, in terms of training people, developing geothermal areas and technology and skills relevant to the geothermal industry.  As Indonesia has similar geothermal resources to New Zealand and the President has outlined a very ambitious development programme, we believe we have something unique to offer.  

What kind of candidates would the New Zealand Government like to see applying for the NZ-AS Programme?
We focus on people who want to undertake Mastersdegree or Doctorate study.  We are looking for individuals who have some work experience and an ambition to further develop their skills and capacity to contribute to Indonesia's development through further study.  We have an open-mind about the areas candidates might study, but we do prioritise candidates from Eastern Indonesia, those in the geothermal sector, certain agriculture interests and personnel from a number of government departments.  The process is highly competitive so those with a strong academic qualification and work experience obviously have better prospects.  What we are trying to do is help train future leaders for Indonesia.  

What kind of experience do you want the Awardees to have while they are studying in NZ?
Obviously we want them to have an excellent academic experience, enriching them through study at one of our world-ranked universities.  But we also want them to enjoy living in New Zealand, rubbing shoulders with New Zealanders and people from around the world who come to our country to study.  I hope awardees will get the chance to see New Zealand, its natural beauty, and to come to appreciate the friendly people, a welcoming multicultural society (including the indigenous Maori culture and Pacific culture).  If awardees bring their partners and children with them, we want those people also to have a happy and enriching experience as well.  Partners are permitted to work and families can also enjoy our universal health care and access to education.

What do you expect from them after they return to Indonesia?
We hope that the New Zealand education and broader experience will serve them well in their chosen professional career.   But we do like to stay in touch with alumni from time to time.  Over the course of my posting, I've hosted perhaps a dozen alumni functions in association with different universities.  It's been a great way to catch up with people and to learn what they're doing now.  It's also a chance to keep them informed about what's happening in New Zealand.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
The relationship with Indonesia is one of New Zealand's most important.  It will only grow in significance in the years ahead.  It's a relationship that benefits both countries and will continue to do so.  From New Zealand's perspective, it's essential that we deepen our connections with Indonesians from all walks of life.  The aid programme, and the scholarships component within it, are ways to deliver real benefits to the Indonesian people and government and business here.  I am excited about the opportunity provided by the recent increase in the number of scholarships to help many more Indonesians achieve their potential and experience a top quality New Zealand education.

The deadline for applications for an NZ-AS Scholarship is 11th April 2012.  For more information, please visit www.nzembassy.com/indonesia or www.aid.govt.nz or email nzas.info@cbn.net.id.  In the next issue of BaKTI News, Alumni from Eastern Indonesia will share their experiences of living and studying in New Zealand.