As another academic year draws to a close, three Indonesian students of the KDI School of Public Policy and Management are looking back on a chapter of their lives that took them far beyond the classroom. Rio, Daffaa, and Lanang, all recipients of the Hyundai Scholarship, arrived in Korea with different backgrounds and different questions, but they leave with a shared sense of purpose: to bring what they learned home to Indonesia.

Rio (left), Daffaa (center), and Lanang (right) during the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Scholarship certificate award ceremony.

Once on campus, all three found that KDI School reshaped how they thought about governance, not as an abstract theory, but as a practical way of addressing real-world issues. 

Inspired by Korea’s remarkable transformation from a war-torn country into one of the world’s leading economies, Daffaa Dewa Al-Ghiffari (MPP, 2025) was drawn to Korea as a place to study development and governance.

“I have always been fascinated by South Korea’s remarkable economic transformation, often referred to as the Asian Miracle,” Daffaa shared. 

Although Indonesia and Korea shared similar challenges after independence, Korea achieved a much higher level of economic advancement despite Indonesia having significantly greater natural resources.

“That made me wonder: what made the difference?” he explained.

Through his studies at KDI School, Daffaa gained a deeper understanding that development is not only about economic growth, but also about institutions, policies, and the values behind decision-making. He was particularly inspired by Professor Kim Jun Il’s International Finance and Global Economy course, where he engaged in insightful and engaging discussion on global issues such as inequality, debt, and economic imbalances.

Lanang Permata's (MPP, Indonesia) motivation was more personal and professional. As a civil servant at Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation, he came to KDI School specifically for its reputation in evidence-based public policy, hoping to sharpen his understanding of how transportation policy is designed, implemented, and evaluated. 

Lanang with Indonesian government officials and Prof. Hoon Heo of Chungwoon University during an international cooperation initiative with Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation.

His professional background made Urban Transport Policy one of his most memorable courses. Through field visits to the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Center and Anyang Smart City, Lanang experienced firsthand how Korea applies technology and innovation to improve urban life.

“It was inspiring to learn directly from real-world examples, and it gave me many ideas that I hope to apply in Indonesia in the future,” he shared.

Meanwhile, Rio Avicenna Syamil (MPM, 2025) came to Korea with admiration for the country’s rapid development and strong public systems. As a government officer from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, he wanted to understand how Korea built effective institutions and embraced digital transformation.

Rio during a presentation in his Korean language class.

“I believed that studying here wouldn’t just give me academic knowledge but help me grow into a much broader-minded person,” Rio said.

Life outside the classroom left just as strong an impression. From the Scholarship Awarding Ceremony to cultural activities and leadership opportunities, the scholarship introduced them to a global cohort of fellow scholars and to Hyundai's broader vision for the program. “The scholarship gave me a genuine community. Through the Hyundai CMK Club’s KDI Cafe Connect, I regularly met up with fellow scholars over coffee just to talk about our studies and life in Korea,” Rio highlighted.

For Daffaa, a winter trip to Jeju Island stood out, both for the friendships formed and for the chance to serve as a team leader. He also spoke warmly of spending Ramadan in Korea, made possible by KDI School's commitment to diversity, an experience that let him share his own traditions with classmates of other faiths.

Hyundai CMK scholars during the Jeju Winter Trip 2026, held from February 4–6, 2026.

Looking ahead, each graduate sees a role for himself in strengthening ties between Indonesia and Korea. Lanang plans to apply what he learned as a Technical Policy Reviewer at Indonesia's Center for Human Resources Development of Land Transportation with a focus on improving existing policies and capacity-building programs. 

Lanang with Mr. Choi Jae-ho, Operations Director or Head of Secretariat at ⁠Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation.

Their advice to future international students was direct. "The biggest question is no longer whether the opportunity exists, but whether we are willing to pursue it with enough determination and effort," Daffaa said. 

Rio shares a memorable winter adventure with friends.

Rio offered a similar reassurance. “Don’t be afraid to feel a little lost at first. Between the language barrier and the heavy coursework, there will be days when you doubt yourself, but those moments are exactly where you grow. You are far more capable than you think.”

KDI School Hyundai scholars during the Asian Leadership Conference held in Seoul, South Korea.

As they prepare to leave Korea, Daffaa, Lanang, and Rio take with them far more than academic achievements. Their journey at KDI School has been shaped by inspiring lectures, meaningful conversations, cultural experiences, and friendships formed across borders. As they return to Indonesia, they hope to carry forward the lessons learned in Korea by applying their knowledge to improve policies and institutions and also serving as a bridge between Indonesia, Korea, and a more connected world.