Indonesian Foreign Ministry Urges Universities to Attract African Students

Yogyakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesias Foreign Affairs Ministry has urged universities to attract students from African countries to pursue their education in Indonesia.

"This can strengthen the relations between Indonesia and Africa," Director for Africa from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Larso Simbolon, said at a workshop here on Tuesday.

According to Larso, Indonesias universities should consider African countries as part of the effort to internationalize Indonesian higher education.

"The number of African students is still small," he said, adding if more students from Africa start pursuing higher education in Indonesia, the countrys diplomatic relations with Africa will be more harmonious.

"Moreover, Africa has the potential to grow in terms of economy and also has natural resources," he said.

The ministrys higher education institution guidance director, Totok Prasetyo, explained the reasons behind few African students coming to Indonesia.

Of the total 909 foreign students studying in Indonesia, 262 came from 32 countries in Africa.

"As of now, African students are not interested in studying in Indonesia," he said.

Therefore, the embassy in Africa should promote Indonesian universities in that country.

"Indonesias representatives in Africa should promote Indonesian higher education," he said.

Prasetyo pointed out that there are many fields of study that can be promoted in African countries, such as micro-finance and disaster management studies.(WDY)