The Indonesian Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, has advised that upon returning to their respective countries, scholarship recipient students are expected to become educational agents who share knowledge with peoples in their respective countries.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Indonesian Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation amidst today's global challenges.

Retno Marsudi made the remarks during a visit to Muhammadiyah University in Yogyakarta province on Friday (December 29, 2023) to meet 10 Afghan students and 33 others from various developing countries, who were recipients of Indonesian scholarships.

On the occasion, the Indonesian foreign minister also advised that upon returning to their respective countries, these students are expected to become educational agents who share knowledge with peoples, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a written statement quoted by Indonesia Window on Sunday (Dec. 31).

The students are also expected to become agents of tolerance who respect diversity, agents of collaboration who develop cooperation and friendship among countries, and agents of peace who are able to prevent conflict in the world.

Education, especially for women, is the key to a country's progress and resilience, minister said, adding that Indonesia was committed to realizing the principle of education for all, in order to build a brighter future.

This educational commitment is reflected, among other things, through concrete follow-up to the International Conference on Afghan Women's Education (ICAWE), which was held by Indonesia and Qatar in the former’s resort island of Bali, December 2022.

ICAWE produces real collaboration among the international community, governments and the private sector in the form of various cooperation programs on education.

Appreciation was also expressed to the International Development Cooperation Fund, Indonesian Aid and the Indonesian private sector (including Adaro Energy, Tahir Foundation, Lippo Group), and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, that have been actively involved in supporting women's education and health in Afghanistan.

Reporting by Indonesia Window