Indonesia to open scholarships on Islamic education for Mindanaoans

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 5): Indonesia to open scholarships on Islamic education for Mindanaoans

The government of the Republic of Indonesia is opening a scholarship program to 100 Mindanaoans who will study Islam in Indonesia.

Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Renton Mudsari, who led the launch of the Islamic Education Cooperation of Indonesia and the Philippines in Davao City Thursday at the Al-Munawara Islamic School in Ma-a, this city, said her government is ready to cover the annual scholarship for Madrasah students.

However, she said the technical scheme of the program will be fine-tuned by education officials from both Indonesia, through its Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Philippines.

She noted the partnership between the Philippines and Indonesia had been established for decades and it is the Indonesian government’s desire to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries through education.

"Our two Presidents, President Rodrigo Duterte and President Joko Widodo, had discussed on strengthening education and cooperation," she said.

"And it is Indonesia's strong commitment to work with the government of the Philippines on this," she said.

"This will be part of the education cooperation between two countries and we will work with all stakeholders to enhance cooperation in areas of education particularly on Islamic education," she added.

Madsuri stressed that Indonesia, being the focal point for Islamic education development, will not only involve government through the Ministry of Religious Education but also civil society and the Islamic organization.

Madsuri said the two governments will work closely on projects that include curriculum development and exchange programs for Ulamas, principals, teachers, and students.

In particular, she said, “We want to provide students of Islamic schools full knowledge on Islam so that in the near future Islamic education will flourish here.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1020585