Indonesian Language Department Officially Opened At Al-Azhar University Egypt

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Language Study Program is officially opened at the Faculty of Language and Translation, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. This matter was conveyed by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Cairo.

In a written statement received in Jakarta, Saturday, the Indonesian Embassy said the inauguration was carried out by the Indonesian Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti on November 6, 2025.

In his remarks, Abdul Mu'ti assessed that the opening of the Indonesian language study program at Al-Azhar University was an important milestone in recognizing Indonesian as an international language.

"Language is not just a means of communication, but also a unifying of the nation. Indonesian is one of the languages with the most speakers in the world," he said, quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, November 8.

Abdul Mu'ti expressed his appreciation to Grand Sheikh Al-Azhar and university leaders for their trust and support for Indonesia, as well as their role in fostering Indonesian students to become pioneers in the spread of moderate Islamic values.

Al-Azhar University Chancellor, Salamah Dawud, said the opening of the study program was an important addition to the ranks of languages taught at the university, which now stands at around 15 languages.

"Indonesian is the 15th language taught at Al-Azhar University," he said, adding that the success of the program depends on the support of the Government of Indonesia, especially in the provision of quality teaching staff.

Salamah also said that Indonesia has a special place in the hearts of the Al-Azhar academic community because students are known to have noble and polite character.

In addition, the Indonesian Embassy reported that Minister Abdul Mu'ti also met with Egyptian Education Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif to discuss strengthening basic, secondary and vocational education cooperation through teacher and student exchanges, curriculum development, and the application of education technology.

Both parties agreed that this collaboration would be a means of sharing experiences and improving the quality of education. Both also emphasize the importance of character education and moral values for ethical and innovative young people.