VIVAnews - PT Freeport Indonesia has again committed to providing US$1 million worth of scholarships for college students in Papua. The commitment is embodied in a public-private partnership agreement scheme with the American-Indonesian Exchange Foundation (AMINEF). The signing of the MoU on Wednesday, March 17, marked PT Freeport Indonesia’s commitment to give five-year scholarship grant to the students of Papua.
PT Freeport Indonesia Vice Executive Director and Administration Head, Sinta Sirait, said the collaboration with the AMINEF had been established since 1998. From 1998 to 2009, 22 Papua students have received scholarships for master programs in the US. “This time, the commitment has been enhanced. In addition to master’s degree, there are also scholarships for programs in community college and English courses for schools in Papua, “ Sirait said.
Regarding the upcoming visit of President Barack Obama, Sirait said that Freeport Indonesia played an important role in implementing partnership between private and public companies. “We, as the citizen of Indonesia, are the government’s contractor, perhaps our role is to increase the manifestation of the partnership,” she said, adding she just wanted to say ‘welcome’ to Obama if she ever has a chance to meet him.
Meanwhile, the US Ambassador for Indonesia, Cameron R. Hume said, “the support from Freeport Indonesia will open possibilities for Papua students to continue their study at universities or community colleges in the states and improve their English and any other skills”.
“Therefore, the scholarship recipients could return to Indonesia and contribute their knowledge to the development of public in particular and Indonesia in general”.
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Translated by: Nataya Ermanti
