Egypt, Indonesia Strengthen Ties with Focus on Education

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The relationship between Indonesia and Egypt has entered a new phase as the two countries agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. This step was marked by the signing of a joint declaration following the high-level visit from both countries in October 2025.

Egypt's Ambassador to Indonesia, Yasser Hassan Farag Elshemy, stated that the improved relationship reflects the commitment of both countries to expand cooperation in various priority sectors. The statement was made during the reception of the National Day of the Arab Republic of Egypt in South Jakarta on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

According to Yasser, President Prabowo Subianto has visited Egypt three times since taking office, demonstrating both countries' new commitment to deepening bilateral relations.

"Through this strategic partnership, Indonesia and Egypt are committed to strengthening cooperation in various priority fields, including politics, economy, security, defense, culture, education, and people-to-people relations," said Yasser.

He added that the relationship is built on mutual respect and shared priorities. "These visits also reflect the spirit of mutual respect and shared priorities, making Indonesia and Egypt important partners in building a stronger, peaceful, and just world order," he said.

Educational Collaboration

In addition to political and economic cooperation, Yasser highlighted the historical ties between Indonesia and Egypt in the field of education. According to him, this connection is reflected in the role of Al-Azhar University, which has been a destination for Indonesian education for centuries.

"Egypt and Indonesia have a special cultural and educational bond. This is reflected in the esteemed position of Al-Azhar in the hearts and minds of the Indonesian people for centuries and across generations," he said.

Every year, Al-Azhar provides hundreds of scholarships for Indonesian students and sends around 70 scholars to Indonesia. Currently, more than 20,000 Indonesian students are pursuing education in Egypt, most of them at Al-Azhar.

"We are proud to host around 20,000 Indonesian students pursuing education in Egypt. We view them as our own brothers and sisters," said Yasser.

Yasser stated that the Egyptian government is cooperating with Indonesia's Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Higher Education to make it easier for graduates who complete their education in Cairo to obtain licenses and practice their professions upon returning to their homeland.

Meanwhile, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, who represented the Indonesian government, mentioned that educational and cultural cooperation is one of the main pillars of relations between the two countries. "Generation after generation of Indonesian students have pursued education in Egypt, especially at Al-Azhar University, one of the most prominent centers of Islamic learning in the world," Nasaruddin said.

Joint Support for Palestine

At the same event, Yasser mentioned the collaboration between Indonesia and Egypt in supporting the Palestinian people. He stated that Egypt continues to fulfill its diplomatic role in promoting a fair and comprehensive peace, including through the organization of the Peace Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh and the distribution of humanitarian aid for Gaza.

"Egypt and Indonesia closely collaborate to facilitate humanitarian aid for Gaza, including Indonesia's assistance channeled through Egypt," he said. He believed this cooperation reflected the two countries' joint commitment to supporting peace, stability, and justice in the region.

Read: UK Pushes for Russell Group University Campus to Open in Jakarta

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