Religious Affairs Minister meets Omani Ambassador to discuss scholarship opportunities for Indonesian students

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar received a visit from the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Indonesia, Mohamed Ahmed Salim Al-Shanfari, one of the topics discussed being scholarship opportunities for Indonesian students at Omani campuses.

“So far, many Indonesian students have chosen Istanbul and Ankara as destinations for studies abroad. I believe Oman has great potential as an alternative destination for Islamic education that is not yet widely known,” said the Minister in Jakarta on Thursday.

The Minister conveyed the scholarship cooperation opportunities regarding religious studies and Arabic language. In addition, Nasaruddin Umar also expressed the urgent need for 2,000 native Arabic-speaking teachers to fill the shortage of teaching staff in educational institutions under the ministry’s auspices.

Oman is mentioned as one of the potential sources to meet that need.

This cooperation plan was welcomed by Omani Ambassador Mohamed Ahmed Salim Al-Shanfari. He stated that the two countries have maintained closeness for nearly 300 years, with similar principles in foreign policy.

Oman has even hosted an exhibition highlighting messages of moderate Islam, tolerance, and peace, values that also form the foundation of Indonesia’s religious policies.

In the trade sector, cooperation potential is also wide open. Omani textile products and accessories are said to have opportunities to enter the Indonesian market.

Oman’s ports have historically been a strategic trade route for Asia, and that potential is believed to still be relevant for redevelopment in the modern era.

This meeting is hoped to be the initial step towards concrete cooperation agreements between Indonesia and Oman, especially in opening direct flight routes and scholarship programmes that can strengthen ties between the two countries.