Thanks to Prabowo, Students Express Gratitude for Participating in Student Exchange Programme in the UAE
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Alif Shahnur, a Mathematics cadet from the Indonesian Defence University (Unhan), expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in a student exchange programme at the Rabdan Academy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Rabdan Academy programme is the result of international cooperation between Indonesia and the UAE. This investment in education, particularly in the field of defence, was initiated during the tenure of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as Minister of Defence in 2022.
“The Rabdan Academy programme was initiated by Mr. President himself,” said Alif, according to a statement released on Thursday.
The student exchange programme, which lasts for one semester at the Faculty of Homeland Security, is part of an effort to enhance the capacity of defence human resources at a global level.
He explained that studying abroad presented both challenges and valuable lessons.
“The most common challenge we faced while abroad was how to deal with cultural differences,” he said.
However, Alif emphasised that the academic experience gained enriched his perspective, especially in the field of disaster management.
He is committed to bringing back the knowledge and global insights he gained to strengthen Indonesia’s defence system.
“Many of the perspectives from the lecturers here are extraordinary, expanding my own perspective. This is what I will bring back to Indonesia,” Alif added.
Meanwhile, Karina Alexandria Silaban, a Mechanical Engineering cadet, highlighted the importance of mastering security and defence knowledge as a foundation for serving the country.
Karina also shared the various perspectives and exchange of ideas gained during the programme, including those related to border security, which will be applied in practice.
“All the perspectives and exchange of ideas between lecturers and what is happening in Indonesia will be the knowledge that I will apply, especially in terms of security at the borders,” she said.
The programme is considered to be in line with President Prabowo’s vision of strengthening national defence through the development of quality human resources.
During Prabowo’s leadership, strengthening the defence sector has not only focused on the modernisation of primary weapon systems, but also on long-term investment in superior human resources that are adaptive and have a global perspective.
The students also expressed their hope that international educational cooperation and diplomacy can continue to be expanded.
Through this programme, Unhan students affirmed their readiness to return to their homeland and dedicate their knowledge and experience for the benefit of the nation and the country.