Palestine Plans to Send More Students to UGM

Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M.Eng., Ph.D., was visited by Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Fariz N. Mehdawi, Monday (8/2) at his office. The Palestinian Ambassador emphasized that Palestine would increase the number of its students to study at UGM.

“The Palestinian Ambassador will send students to Indonesia. According to the Ambassador, though there are many choices of campuses such as those in Jakarta and Bandung, but he still chooses UGM. In his opinion, values that are developed by UGM are similar to those of Palestine,” said Executive Secretary of UGM, Drs. Djoko Moerdiyanto, M.A., to the press.

Djoko delivered that the sending of Palestinian students to Indonesia was supported by Indonesian Ministry of Education. Presently, there are three Palestinian students taking graduate programs at UGM. “The Ambassador considered that our alumni are very loyal to their university. The name  of UGM has become familiar with Palestinians,” said Djoko quoting the Ambassador’s statement.

In that occasion, the Palestinian Ambassador also mentioned that the current situation in his country is more secure though there are still several areas in conflict. “The current situation is more secure. Although there are still areas in conflict, the number of tourists who visit Palestine increases,” he said.

Currently, there are are 4 million Palestinians living in their country; it is estimated that more than 5 million people live outside the country. “Those who live abroad work in informal and industrial sectors and still think about the situation in Palestine. They even often send assistance and funds to study,” he added.

UGM Rector welcomed the goodwill of the Ambassador. Sudjarwadi said that values which are developed by UGM since its establishment are values of prosperity, civilization and happiness. “Since its establishment, this campus has apparently never changed, always for social and Indonesian welfare,” the  Rector said. After meeting the Rector, the Ambassador delivered a general lecture for students at UGM Main Office.