The project was launched in 2011 with a goal to enhance university leadership, administration, financial management, quality assurance and research. Out of 50 educational institutions that have received funding from HELM, 40 have already obtained international accreditation. The Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education's director general for institutional development, Patdono Suwignjo, said the program has improved access to academic resources, network and development for Indonesian universities." Access to these resources is key in improving the quality of higher education in Indonesia," Patdono said during an event in Jakarta on Wednesday (21/09) to celebrate the project's achievements. 

The United States Chargé d'Affaires Brian McFeeters at the same event said the changing economic landscape in Indonesia requires a diverse and educated workforce that can adapt to a knowledge-based economy. "The US is proud to partner with the Indonesian government in various initiatives ranging from innovative research, expanding access to high quality basic and vocational education, to strengthening the higher education system," he said. 

From 2011 to 2016, the HELM project had helped Indonesian universities improve their accreditation ratings, management systems and bridging programs as well as providing students with academic and vocational training." We hope our investment over the past five years has allowed these higher education institutions to provide their students with a world-class education," USAID mission director Erin McKee said.