Germany offers further educational support
Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Germany has shown interest in having closer cooperation with Indonesia in the education sector.
"We are interested in having more qualified foreign students in our universities," vice president of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Prof. Max G. Huber told The Jakarta Post on Friday.
"It is important for us to have personal and professional links," he said.
Studying in Germany, he said, would allow Indonesians to understand European affairs.
Huber was in Indonesia as a member of the German delegation led by the Deputy Minister for Education and Research, Dr. Uwe Thomas who arrived here on Oct. 30.
Dr. Thomas also took part in Friday's opening ceremony of the 6th International Postgraduate Education Expo at Atlet Century Park hotel in Jakarta.
Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro, director general of higher learning at the Ministry of National Education said he hoped that Germany with its strong academic and research tradition could help in providing young Indonesians with quality education.
According to DAAD Jakarta office, there are currently 2,300 Indonesians studying in Germany. Around 300 are studying under scholarships from the German government.
Huber said his government had reformed its education system to serve the needs of foreign students.
It has adjusted its education system by offering courses in English and with international bachelor and masters degrees.
Second, it has also adjusted its legal system to allow more students to enter the country.
"It will be easier for foreign students to apply for a visa for studying or research. It is less time consuming," Huber added.
Another significant change underway in the legal system is that the German government is working on a new law that will allow foreign students to work in the private sector for up to five years in Germany.
At present, foreign students can only work for 90 days in universities and research institutes. In addition, they have to return to their country as soon as they finish their studies.
According to Huber, the new law is expected to be passed in several weeks.