Morocco’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Ouadia Benabdellah, and Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, discussed efforts to strengthen cooperation in the field of education in Jakarta.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, and Morocco’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Ouadia Benabdellah, discussed efforts to enhance cooperation in the field of education at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Jakarta, on Thursday (Feb. 6).

Both parties emphasized their commitment to increasing the number of Indonesian students studying in Morocco and strengthening the exchange program for ulama and santri.

"In the next program, I will send my students to your country, as well as  to the United States and Egypt. The LPDP (the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education Agency) asked me, 'why Morocco?' Morocco is a very special country," the minister said.

He explained that the education system in Morocco is more efficient than several other countries in terms of Islamic studies. Masters programs in Morocco can be completed in two years, while doctoral programs take a maximum of four years, faster than in other countries.

"If we compare it with Morocco, a master's program takes two years. And a Ph.D. program, a maximum of four years. I think that's very intensive," he noted.

Meanwhile, the Moroccan ambassador emphasized that his government is ready to increase scholarships for Indonesian students.

Currently, the number of scholarships provided continues to increase to support cooperation in the field of education.

"When I arrived here, there were 15 scholarships provided by Morocco to Indonesia. After four years, now there are 50 scholarships. We can do more than that, because we believe in strengthening this relationship," the ambassador said.

In addition to sending students, the cooperation also includes the exchange of scholars and students to enhance the understanding of moderate Islam.

Minister Nasaruddin Umar said that Indonesian scholars can learn a lot from the Islamic education system in Morocco, which has a long history of Islamic studies based on Sufism.

Reporting by Indonesia Window