India Deepens Education Ties in Aceh Through Academic Cooperation

LANGSA | INDATANEWS.COM ~ The Government of India has strengthened its bilateral engagement with Indonesia through enhanced cooperation in education, culture, and economic development during a recent working visit to Aceh. The initiative was led by the Consul General of India in Medan, Ravi Shanker Goel, with a focus on academic exchange programs in Langsa.

Guest Lecture at Universitas Samudra

At Universitas Samudra (Unsam), Ravi Shanker Goel delivered a guest lecture titled "Bridging Nations Through Education and Collaboration" at the university auditorium. The session was attended by university leaders, faculty members, and students.

In his presentation, Goel highlighted the importance of Indonesia–India relations, particularly in higher education cooperation. He also introduced several scholarship schemes, including the ICCR Scholarship, ASEAN Scholarship, and the ITEC Programme, which provide broader academic opportunities for students and researchers.

Academic and Economic Collaboration

Rector of Universitas Samudra, Prof. Dr. Ir. Hamdani, M.T., described the visit as a strategic milestone toward the university's internationalization agenda. Future collaboration plans include student and faculty exchanges, joint academic forums, and collaborative research initiatives.

Both sides also explored potential economic partnerships, focusing on trade relations between Aceh and India, as well as the development of data-driven teaching methods in economics and management studies. In addition, discussions included the establishment of a Bharat Book Corner at the university and cultural activities such as the screening of the Indian film English Vinglish as part of cultural diplomacy efforts.

Cultural Diplomacy at IAIN Langsa

The Consul General continued his visit at IAIN Langsa, where he held another academic session focusing on the Indian education system and available scholarship opportunities. He once again presented the ICCR, ASEAN, and self-funded scholarship schemes.

The discussion also covered potential faculty exchange programs and joint research collaboration between Indian and Indonesian higher education institutions. A Bharat Book Corner was also inaugurated at IAIN Langsa to further promote academic and cultural exchange.

The visit underscores the growing momentum in India–Indonesia relations, laying a strong foundation for deeper cooperation in education, culture, and economic development. (IDNC)


REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala