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Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Pratikno outlined results from talks with Saudi Education Minister Yousef Abdullah Al-Benyan held at the residence of Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia Faisal Abdullah Al Amoudi. The September 2 meeting brought together Indonesian cabinet ministers and university rectors to examine practical steps for deepening education ties. Pratikno said both nations identified several programs for immediate implementation particularly across higher education institutions. He added that the agenda covered teacher education and capacity building alongside the scholarship expansion.
Pratikno stated, “We discussed several things that we can do immediately, especially for higher education institutions, such as student exchanges, lecturer exchanges, joint supervision, joint degrees, and joint research.” According to Pratikno the discussions also addressed expanded scholarship programs that would open directly in a short time. Saudi Education Minister Yousef Abdullah Al-Benyan noted that his government offers more than 1,000 scholarships for Indonesians. Al-Benyan stated, “I remind you that we have more than 1,000 scholarships from our government for the Indonesian government. And so far, maybe only 50 percent have been utilized.”
Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology data places the number of active cooperation documents between universities of the two countries at 95. These agreements encompass joint research, community service, curriculum development, joint programs and visiting professor arrangements. Deputy Minister Fauzan said the network provides a foundation for more substantive collaboration especially in STEM fields and national priority areas for both sides. The ministry assessment found that expanded academic mobility would produce benefits for human resource development in each country.
ANTARA News reported that the scholarships are available across all fields of study and target the 2026-2027 academic year. Regional education statistics show Saudi Arabia has become one of the leading destinations for Indonesian students with more than 2,000 currently enrolled in its universities. A separate PwC review of GCC education reforms noted that Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives have modernized university programs and increased their global competitiveness. Indonesian officials view the latest offers as an opportunity to align talent development with these advancements.
Ambassador Faisal Abdullah Al Amoudi joined Pratikno in briefing journalists after the discussions. The ambassador confirmed the scholarship quota applies to all disciplines without restriction. Pratikno told reporters that follow-up actions would focus on rapid rollout of the identified exchange and research initiatives. Both delegations agreed to maintain momentum through continued coordination between their respective education bodies.
