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AKARTA: The United States will invest $19 million in Indonesian higher education over the coming years through its Higher Education Leadership and Management (HELM) program.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) developed the program to support Indonesia in its effort to develop world-class higher education institutions and in preparing students to be successful leaders.

“The United States is a proud partner in strengthening Indonesia’s nearly 3,000 universities and helping students meet the needs of a changing world. Strong universities will help Indonesia further grow and develop, and play its rightful role in accelerating the global economy,” said US Ambassador to Indonesia Scot Marciel over the weekend.

He added the program would also benefit the US.

The HELM program will facilitate the exchange of leadership and management experience, scientific and technical expertise, and cross-cultural understanding between Americans and Indonesians.

“I hope this will be a long commitment between the two countries. This will help the government’s efforts in internationalizing our higher education through bilateral and multilateral collaborations,” Education and Culture Ministry director general for higher education Djoko Santoso said.

The Indonesia higher education system now caters to more than 5.6 million students in more than 3,000 higher education institutions.