Jakarta (ANTARA) – Nickel Industries Foundation has awarded its first NIC Scholarships to five students from Sulawesi studying at Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Yogyakarta (UPNVY), expanding access to higher education for young people in eastern Indonesia.
The foundation, through Yayasan Wallacea Hijau Lestari, aims to use education as a long-term investment in sustainable development, Nickel Industries Sustainability Head Muchtazar said here Tuesday.
The program supports students from Sulawesi and Maluku while helping them develop leadership skills and pursue higher education, Muchtazar said.
The fully funded scholarship covers tuition, accommodation and living expenses, plus personal development programs, from the first semester through graduation. Recipients will begin their studies in the 2026/2027 academic year.
Muchtazar said the program seeks to give promising students access to quality education while preparing them to contribute to their communities and Indonesia’s development.
The selection process involved 12 newly enrolled UPNVY students from Sulawesi who underwent a two-day assessment on Sept. 1-2, 2026, at the university’s Rectorate Building.
Candidates came from Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geophysical Engineering, Informatics and International Relations.
The assessment included administrative screening and interviews covering leadership potential, motivation, organizational experience, academic goals, future contributions and English communication skills.
The five recipients are pursuing degrees in Geophysical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Geological Engineering and International Relations.
Muchtazar said the scholarship would provide more than financial support by developing recipients’ technical and leadership capabilities for the future workforce.
He said the mining industry will increasingly require technical expertise alongside strong character, global perspectives and a commitment to sustainability.
The program is also intended to help students develop academically, professionally and personally while preparing them for leadership roles in their fields, Muchtazar said.
Marcus Kusnardijanto, UPNVY’s student affairs coordinator, welcomed the partnership, saying it would support student achievement and regional development.
He said the collaboration reflected a shared commitment by universities and industry to develop the next generation of leaders.
Kusnardijanto also expressed appreciation for the foundation’s support, saying the recipients could become role models encouraging other young people in eastern Indonesia to pursue higher education.
The NIC Scholarship Program forms part of Nickel Industries’ broader initiatives in education, community empowerment and social investment.
Through partnerships with educational institutions, the company seeks to develop skilled workers and expand opportunities in communities where it operates as Indonesia pursues broader economic transformation.
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Reporter: Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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