Present At UIKA Bogor, Turkish Ambassador Ready For Cooperation In Education

Turkey's Ambassador to Indonesia, Prof. Dr Talip K\"ökcan, together with rector at Ib Khaldun Bogor University (UIKA), Wednesday 13 November 2024

The Turkish Ambassador to Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Talip K\"ökcan, conveyed the importance of strengthening higher education cooperation between Turkey and Indonesia in a public lecture at Ibna Khaldun Bogor University (UIKA), Wednesday, November 13.

"Turkey is ready to share technology with Indonesia as a friendly country. Unlike other countries that only sell technology without transfer of knowledge, we want to build collaborations that are mutually beneficial," said K\"ö\"ukcan.

In his presentation, Ambassador K\"u\"ukcan emphasized several opportunities for educational cooperation between the two countries, including student exchanges, academic exchanges, and development of joint research projects. Currently, it is recorded that 4,500 Indonesian students are studying in Turkey.

"The Turkish government provides scholarships for master and doctoral programs for Indonesian students. When studying at Turkish universities, students are automatically connected to European universities through the Erasmus program," he explained.

The ambassador, who has an academic background, also shared the experience of higher education reform in Turkey. "In every city in Turkey, both large and small, there are state universities. Education at state universities is completely free because education is the fundamental right of citizens," he said.

According to K\"ie\"ukcan, Indonesia as the largest Muslim country has greater responsibility in the world. "With a large young population, Indonesia has strong human resource potential. The key is education to develop new talents and skills," he stressed.

During his visit to UIKA, Ambassador K\"u\"aukcan also appreciated study programs such as the Islamic economy, halal tourism, and halal health services which he said could be a lesson for Turkey.

Indonesia-Turkey relations will enter the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. However, the history of relations between the two countries began in the 16th century, when the Sultan of Aceh sent a delegation to the Ottoman Sultanate for military assistance.

"As two major Muslim countries, Turkey at the border between Europe and Indonesia in Asia, we can together face global challenges. Together we will be stronger," he concluded.

The public lecture was attended by university leaders, academic staff, students, as well as representatives of the Bogor City Government and DPRD. This event is part of an effort to strengthen academic cooperation between the two countries.