LIPIA graduates shine a light on knowledge in Indonesia, and the existence of this higher education institution reflects the good relationship between Indonesia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. Nasaruddin Umar, expressed his appreciation for the support and efforts of the Saudi Arabian government in providing education at the Institute of Islamic and Arabic Sciences (locally known as LIPIA), which has produced graduates with excellent Arabic language skills.

"They (LIPIA graduates) are expected to become teachers in schools, teaching our community Arabic. Arabic is very important for understanding Islam. The Quran is in Arabic, and the hadith are in Arabic. How can we deepen our understanding of Islam if we don't speak Arabic?" Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin  said in a doorstop interview after attending the graduation ceremony of LIPIA's 50th, 51st, 52nd, and 53rd classes in Jakarta on Tuesday (April 28).

The minister further emphasized the importance of having Arabic language experts to strengthen the understanding of Muslims in Indonesia.

"Once again, thank you to the Saudi Arabian government," he said.

On the same occasion, the ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Indonesia, Faisal bin Abdullah H. Amodi, expressed his hope that the LIPIA graduates would set good examples in society.

"LIPIA graduates can spread a tolerant Islam, an Islam that is easy to understand, an Islam that is loved, and an Islam that spreads compassion, especially in our country, Indonesia," he said.

Regarding the development of Islamic education at LIPIA, ambassador Faisal Amodi stated that his office would study the possibility of adding branches of study at the educational institution, which has been established in Indonesia since 1980.

LIPIA in Jakarta is a branch of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With a primary focus on teaching Arabic and Islam, LIPIA currently offers four majors: Sharia, Islamic Economics, Arabic Literature, and or Language Preparation.

"LIPIA graduates illuminate the light of knowledge in Indonesia, and LIPIA's existence reflects the good relationship between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia," the Saudi ambassador emphasized.

Earlier, in his remarks at the graduation ceremony, the Dean of LIPIA, Dr. Waled bin Abdullah Al Othman, stated that LIPIA graduated 2,998 graduates.

"We also express our sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia for its commitment to advancing education and its support for academic institutions," he said.

The Dean of LIPIA also noted the significant role of the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, which has established constructive cooperation in supporting the institution's mission and development within Indonesian society.

Reporting by Indonesia Window