Indonesia Expands Educational Cooperation in Southeast Asia and Western Pacific
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is strengthening educational diplomacy and research in the Southeast Asia to Western Pacific region through the expansion of scholarship cooperation, training, and capacity development with several friendly countries.
This initiative is being carried out by the Education and Culture Attaché’s Office at the Indonesian Embassy in Dili and the Indonesian Embassy in Manila, and was highlighted in the Webinar Series Atdikbud & Wadetap RI-UNESCO forum.
In a joint press release from the Indonesian Embassies in Dili and Manila received on Sunday, the Education and Culture Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Dili, Tasrifin Tahara, stated that relations between Indonesia and Timor-Leste are now directed towards concrete programmes that provide direct benefits to the community.
One of the main initiatives is the opening of a special class at the Faculty of Medicine for Timorese students as well as the development of a Vocational Sister School programme to support human resource development in that country.
Tasrifin added that Indonesia remains a favourite destination for Timorese students through various scholarship schemes, including the Developing Countries Partnership (KNB), Indonesian AID, and assistance from universities.
“In 2025, there will be 350 scholarship recipients from Timor-Leste studying in Indonesia,” he said.
He mentioned that currently around 1,800 Timorese citizens are pursuing education at various campuses in Indonesia, from Aceh to Papua.
“Often, the success of international cooperation is determined by personal relationships. Diplomacy at the dining table is sometimes more effective than formal meetings,” said Tasrifin.
Meanwhile, the Education and Culture Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Manila, Nina Yulianti, said that they are currently mapping the education systems in Palau and the Marshall Islands to explore new cooperation opportunities.
According to her, Indonesia is offering the Indonesian AID Scholarship programme for the youth of both countries to enhance human resource capacity.
Other cooperation potentials include cultural exchanges, scholarships for Pacific students to universities in Indonesia, and collaboration in preserving Austronesian languages.
The synergy between the Indonesian Embassies in Dili and Manila is said to reflect Indonesia’s commitment to expanding the role of education as an instrument of soft diplomacy in the region.
According to UNESCO data, as many as 59,000 Indonesian students studied abroad in 2024. At the same time, Indonesia is becoming increasingly active as a study destination, particularly for developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region.