Recap of the exciting Halal Bi Halal with MOSMA Alumni, representatives from Kemenag, the US Embassy, Santri Mengglobal, and the eSTEP counseling team!
On a warm and heartfelt afternoon on Saturday, May 3rd of 2025, eSTEP Global Resources and the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kementerian Agama or Kemenag) hosted a Halal Bi Halal gathering with the 2023 cohort of MOSMA (MORA Overseas Student Mobility Awards) students. Held as a post-Ramadan reunion, this special event brought together young Indonesians who had returned from a semester abroad in the United States, United Kingdom, and even Tunisia, a testament to the diversity and global spirit of the program.
More than just a festive get-together, the event served as a platform for students to share their experiences and insights directly with leadership from Kemenag. Bapak Ruchman Basori, Head of the Center for Religious Education Funding at the Secretariat General of MORA, warmly welcomed the students back and expressed pride in their resilience and achievements. Also in attendance was Mr. Jeff Cohen from the U.S. Embassy, whose presence reflected the strong international collaboration behind MOSMA’s success.
What is MOSMA?
MOSMA, or the MORA Overseas Student Mobility Awards, is a scholarship program under Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs aimed at giving students from Islamic higher education institutions the opportunity to study abroad for one semester. The program opens doors to global classrooms, offering exposure to diverse academic cultures and international perspectives. For many students, it is a life-changing experience, one that boosts not only their academic skills but also their confidence and global awareness.
At the Halal Bi Halal, students openly shared how their overseas experiences had transformed their outlooks; from learning to navigate different cultures, to gaining access to world-class education systems. These reflections were valuable not only as feedback for program organizers but also as inspiration for future participants.
Eyes on the Next Chapter: The BIB Scholarship
The event also served as a moment to look ahead. One key message delivered was an encouragement for returning MOSMA scholars to apply for the Beasiswa Indonesia Bangkit (BIB) a full scholarship also managed by Kemenag. The BIB supports Master’s and Doctoral studies abroad for Indonesian students, particularly from Islamic universities or pesantren backgrounds. With the 2025 BIB application deadline open until May 31st, this was the perfect time to discuss how MOSMA alumni could take their journey further.
eSTEP’s Role in the Journey
eSTEP Global Resources, a long-time partner in supporting Indonesian students pursuing international education, played a key role not only in co-hosting the event but also in guiding students on what comes next. eSTEP offers university counseling for those interested in applying to universities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, or China. We helping them navigate university selection, admissions strategy, essay writing, and more.
For students considering destinations like the United States, eSTEP also introduced options like the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). RIT has a track record of hosting students from Indonesia who come to study through scholarship from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Education. RIT is open to receiving Indonesian students through the ministry’s scholarships.
Building a Supportive Community
Above all, the Halal Bi Halal gathering reminded everyone of the strength of community. Many of the returning MOSMA students expressed how grateful they were not only for the opportunity to study abroad but also for the continuous support from Kemenag, eSTEP, and their peers. This reunion became a moment of motivation a push to continue striving for excellence and to dream even bigger.
For those inspired by the stories shared during the event, the message was clear: your journey doesn’t end here. Whether it’s applying for the BIB, choosing the right university, or continuing to contribute to Indonesia’s future, the path is wide open and you are not alone.