Jakarta, Feb. 20 -- The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (MHEST) is doubling down on its support for the nation's sporting talent by launching a dedicated scholarship program for high-achieving athletes.

The initiative was finalized following a high-level meeting between Higher Education Minister Brian Yuliarto, Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir, and Deputy Sports Minister Taufik Hidayat in Jakarta on Thursday.

The partnership aims to resolve the long-standing conflict between rigorous training schedules and academic requirements.

"We must ensure that our athletes are neither academically sidelined nor stifled in their professional growth," Minister Yuliarto stated on Friday. "A student-athlete should not have...