PPI Dunia Ready to Be Cultural Ambassadors, Ministry of Education Opens Support Program Abroad

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Culture opens opportunities for the Indonesian Student Association or PPI in various countries to apply for cultural programs through government support schemes, including the Indonesian Raya Fund.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said Indonesian students abroad can play a more active role in introducing Indonesian culture to the local community, not just holding activities for the Indonesian community.

"The activity is not only for Indonesians, but for local residents, that's what we hope for," said Fadli when meeting the PPI World management for the 2025-2026 period at the Ministry of Culture Office, Jakarta, Wednesday, August 12.

According to Fadli, cooperation with the World PPI and the Indonesian diaspora is one of the prioritized parts in cultural diplomacy.

Fadli said that PPI programs abroad could be directed to have a wider impact and become a gateway to introduce Indonesian culture in their respective countries.

PPI World Coordinator Andika Ibrahim Nasution said his party was ready to support the promotion of the Ministry of Culture's program through the country's PPI network.

"We are ready to promote the Ministry of Culture, all the work programs in the Ministry of Culture through PPI-PPI countries," he said.

PPI Dunia noted that around 280,000 Indonesian students are currently in various countries.

During the meeting, the World PPI also conveyed the plan for the 18th World PPI International Symposium which will be held in Cairo, Egypt, in September.

Another cooperation discussed was the 400th anniversary of Syekh Yusuf al Makassari. The Ministry of Culture plans to develop the Syekh Yusuf cultural house and museum in Cape Town, South Africa.

Fadli said the presence of PPI in South Africa could be involved in introducing the figure and legacy of Sheikh Yusuf, who is known as an Indonesian and South African national hero.

The Ministry of Culture also encourages that cooperation with PPI does not stop at the annual agenda, but is developed through cultural programs that run in each country.