Republic of Indonesia to Partner with Ohio University
New Education Initiative Emphasizes Graduate, Faculty Exchange
By: Infromation Division, Embassy of Indonesia


Officials at Indonesia’s Ministry of Education and Ohio University are finalizing a renewable five-year agreement that will deepen their educational exchange. Already settled in principle, the memorandum of understanding is expected to establish faculty and student exchanges, fund capacity-building scholarships, foster research conferences, and expand library holdings. The extensive partnership is likely to take effect next academic year.

“The Embassy is excited about the partnership,” said Ambassador Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat, Indonesia’s top representative in the United States. “In order to have good relations, Indonesia and the United States first need understanding. Education programs like this one with Ohio University are a great way to build that understanding.”

Since visa regulations tightened after the attacks of September 11, 2001, Indonesia, the world’s largest majority-Muslim nation, has seen fewer of its students study in the Untied States. Last year, around 7,500 Indonesians attended U.S. universities, down from over 11,600 in 2001. Under the administration of President Yudhoyono, who earned a master’s degree in the U.S., the government of Indonesia is trying to turn this around.

As one of the few American universities offering Southeast Asian programs, Ohio University drew the Embassy’s attention. Through its Center for International Studies, the university has maintained a graduate program in Southeast Asian studies since 1967. Today, it also offers Indonesian language courses from beginner to advanced levels.

Together, says Dr. Harris Iskandar, the Embassy’s education attaché, Indonesia’s outreach and Ohio University’s programs make the two natural partners. “The university already has a strong program,” he noted. “That is the most important thing.”

If already strong, the coming agreement is expected to make the university’s program stronger. The memorandum details a wide range of cooperative exchanges. The largest emphasizes capacity building.

In order to help Indonesia consolidate its recent democratic reforms, Ohio University will establish 20 graduate-level scholarships for local-level Indonesian civil servants. In Indonesia, say officials, most educated civil servants work at the national level. As democratization is bringing more responsibility to local officials, however, the government is seeking to expand their education.

The agreement will also establish a program of faculty exchange. Through a new Indonesian Studies Distinguished Chair, Indonesian scholars will research and teach at Ohio University for two-year terms. In a reciprocal program, American scholars and retired officials may be attached to an Indonesian university to share their experience. Officials say similar embedding initiatives with Germany and Japan have been very successful.

The Embassy of Indonesia will also offer its Darmasiswa Scholarship to all Ohio University students. Through Darmasiswa, students receive one year of cultural, musical, or language training at an Indonesian university free of charge. Historically, the United States has been underrepresented in the program, which is run worldwide.

At its heart, says Dr. Iskandar, the agreement is about broadening students’ worldview. Whether they are from Ohio or Indonesia, students should step out into the world. “Seeing is believing,” he said. “Overseas study is the best way to change and expand a mindset.”

Information Division
Washington, D.C.

Memorandum Details – Programs and Descriptions

• The Indonesia Studies Distinguished Chair
  The Indonesia Chair is an endowed visiting professorship. Indonesian scholars will research and teach for two-year terms.
  
• Library Holdings
  The Ministry of Education will donate thousands of volumes on Indonesia to the Ohio University library. Also, the library will become a depository for future Indonesian publications.
  
• Graduate Scholarships
  To improve governance in Indonesia, twenty Indonesian civil servants will pursue graduate studies on co-sponsored scholarships.
  
• Language Program
  The Ministry of Education will cooperate with Ohio University to expand its Indonesian language program.
  
• Faculty Embedding
  An Indonesian university will host U.S. scholars, who will aid the administration and conduct research.
  
• Dual Degree
  The Ministry of Education will foster future discussions between Ohio University and universities in Indonesia regarding possible dual degree programs.
  
• Darmasiswa Scholarship
  The Darmasiswa Scholarship funds one year of cultural or linguistic study in one of over a dozen participating Indonesian universities.