The State of Qatar and the Republic of Indonesia have recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will allow Afghan students to pursue scholarships to study in Indonesia. This agreement, signed by HE Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater and HE Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi, aims to provide educational opportunities for Afghan youth and build human capacities in Afghanistan. The MoU is part of a broader shared vision between the two countries to support education and development projects in Afghanistan, with a particular focus on empowering Afghan youth to create a brighter future in their country.
During the signing ceremony, HE Al Khater highlighted the deep and historical relationship between Qatar and Indonesia, citing the 2023 Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture as an example of the two nations’ strong ties. She also mentioned Qatar’s contribution of USD 75 million to support Afghanistan, affirming Qatar’s unwavering commitment to providing humanitarian and development assistance to the Afghan people. The scholarship program is seen as a way to further strengthen the cooperation between Qatar and Indonesia in supporting global human development and helping build the capacities of the Afghan people.
HE Marsudi emphasized the urgent need for education in Afghanistan, especially for women and girls, in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country. She praised Qatar and Indonesia for their collaborative efforts to offer scholarships to Afghan students, noting that this initiative reflects their shared commitment to building a brighter future for Afghanistan. The MoU will enable more Afghan students to pursue higher education at Indonesian universities, with Indonesia providing support in the form of polio vaccines, humanitarian aid, and psychosocial projects for Afghan women.
The signing of the MoU was seen as a significant step towards enhancing access to education for Afghans and providing them with opportunities to rebuild their homeland. HE Al Khater and HE Marsudi expressed their belief in the importance of creating a favorable environment for Afghan women and providing job opportunities for them. They also highlighted the success of the International Conference on Afghan Women’s Education in mobilizing international support for the education and empowerment of Afghan women. Through their partnership, Qatar and Indonesia are working together to support the coming generation in Afghanistan and help them overcome the challenges they face.
The scholarship program is expected to benefit more than 20 Afghan students, providing them with the opportunity to pursue higher education in Indonesia. This initiative is part of Qatar and Indonesia’s efforts to support global human development and create opportunities for Afghan youth to build a brighter and more prosperous future in their country. The partnership between the two countries is focused on providing humanitarian and development assistance to the Afghan people, with a particular emphasis on education and capacity building. Through their collaboration, Qatar and Indonesia are standing in solidarity with Afghanistan and working towards a more hopeful future for its people.