Indonesian students face US visa halt, gov't sets up contingency plan
JAKARTA – The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek), has issued an advisory for Indonesian students currently studying in the United States.
The advisory follows the latest policy by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who on Tuesday 27 May 2025 suspended the issuance of F, M, and J visas temporarily.
Stella Christie, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, said the policy significantly affects the continuity of studies for Indonesian students.
She advised Indonesian students in the US not to leave the country in light of President Donald Trump’s administration’s decision to temporarily halt student visa processing.
“For those of you currently in the US on F, M, or J visas, we strongly recommend that you do not travel outside the US,” Stella said in an official statement on Thursday (28/5).
She added that the ministry is taking strategic steps in response to the US policy, including ensuring the continuation of scholarships and study programmes for Indonesian students.
Stella said the Indonesian government has prepared several strategic responses to mitigate further impacts of the policy.
These include exploring study opportunities at top universities in other countries, and opening options for continuing education at domestic institutions.
“For those who have received a letter of acceptance and a scholarship from Kemendikbud Saintek, we are preparing alternatives both abroad and at home to ensure your education continues,” Stella said.
“The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, under the leadership of Minister Brian Yuliarto, is working tirelessly and acting swiftly to prioritise your education,” she added.
The visa suspension policy has also been linked to the US government's plan to expand social media screening for foreign students.
Tensions escalated after the US Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, revoked the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification of Harvard University on 22 May.
Noem stated that the right to admit international students is not inherent but a privilege that can be revoked at any time, particularly if a university is deemed uncooperative in providing data.
Harvard responded by taking legal action. The university’s Executive Vice President, Alan M. Garber, filed a lawsuit and a motion for a temporary restraining order to halt the SEVP revocation.
“The court has granted our motion, and Harvard remains able to admit international students while legal proceedings continue,” Garber said in an official statement on 25 May 2025.
Meanwhile, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto stated that the ministry would continue to act swiftly to ensure students maintain access to education despite global instability. (EF/KR/ZH)